ὑπολείπω (hupoleipō)
hupoleipō
to leave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupoleipō means to leave something or someone behind, often with the sense that it remains after others have gone. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 11:3, where Paul describes himself as the sole survivor left among God’s people.
Its core idea is about what stays when the rest has departed. The sources note that in the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), it frequently translates Hebrew words meaning "to remain" or "survive." This background gives the word a strong theological weight: being "left behind" is not necessarily negative, but can signify preservation or remnant status.
Paul uses this specific term to highlight his isolation yet also his unique role. He feels alone, yet he is part of a continuing line of faithful witnesses. The word captures both the loneliness of being the last one standing and the significance of that remaining position in God’s plan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupoleipō carries a quiet weight of solitude. It describes the feeling of being the last one standing when everyone else has gone. In Romans 11:3, Paul uses this term to express his deep sense of isolation among God’s people. He feels completely alone, yet he is part of a continuing line of faithful witnesses who remain.
This word reminds us that being left behind is not always a sign of abandonment. Sometimes it signifies preservation or a special role in God’s plan. Even when you feel isolated, your presence matters. You are part of a story that continues beyond your immediate circumstances.
When loneliness strikes, remember that Paul felt this way too. Yet he knew he was not truly alone. God preserves those who remain faithful. Your steadfastness has meaning, even if it feels like no one else sees it. This hope anchors us in difficult seasons.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were left1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπελείφθην1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:3
“Lord, they have killed your prophets. They have broken down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life.”
Paul uses this word to highlight his personal isolation and sense of being the sole survivor among God's faithful people.