ὑπομένω (hupomenō)
hupomenō
to remain/endure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupomenō describes remaining in place under pressure, often translated as "endure" or "bear patiently." Its components suggest staying beneath a weight rather than fleeing from it. In the New Testament, this endurance is not passive waiting but an active holding fast to faith during trials, as seen when Jesus warns his followers they will hate them because of his name (Matthew 10:22). It implies a steadfastness that persists through hardship.
This word carries significant theological weight in the Epistle to the Hebrews and James. Hebrews points readers to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before him, as an example for believers facing persecution (Hebrews 12:2-3). Similarly, James encourages those suffering unjustly to remain patient, citing the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord (James 5:10-11). The term connects present suffering with future reward, framing endurance as a vital part of Christian hope.
Translators sometimes render hupomenō as "patience," though this English word can imply mere waiting. The Greek emphasizes active perseverance and resilience. It appears in contexts where faith is tested, such as Paul’s instruction to rejoice in hope and be patient in affliction (Romans 8:24-25). This endurance is a mark of genuine faith, demonstrating that the believer’s trust remains unshaken by external circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy, the Greek word hupomenō offers a different way to stand. It does not mean passive resignation or simply waiting for time to pass. Instead, it describes an active, deliberate choice to stay in place under pressure. Imagine holding your ground against a strong wind; you are not ignoring the force, but you are refusing to be blown away. This endurance is a sign of strength, showing that your trust in God is deeper than your current circumstances.
Christians find their power for this stance in Jesus Himself. Hebrews points to Him as the ultimate example, noting that He endured the cross because of the joy set before Him. His story reminds us that suffering is not the end of the narrative. By staying faithful through hardship, you participate in a long tradition of believers who have found that God’s presence is sufficient even when everything else feels unstable.
This kind of steadfastness transforms how you view your struggles. It shifts the focus from immediate relief to lasting hope. The promise attached to this endurance is not just survival, but salvation and future glory. When you feel like giving up, remember that staying put in faith is a powerful witness. It shows the world that your anchor holds firm, no matter how high the waves rise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having endured4×
- you will endure?1×
- you will endure,1×
- you endured1×
- we endure,1×
- remained behind1×
- remained1×
- having persevered;1×
- endures.1×
- endures1×
- endured1×
- endure,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπομείνας3×
- ὑπέμεινεν2×
- ὑπέμεινάν1×
- ὑπομένω1×
- ὑπομένοντες,1×
- ὑπομένομεν,1×
- ὑπομένετε,1×
- ὑπομένει.1×
- ὑπομένει1×
- ὑπομείναντας·1×
- ὑπομενεῖτε;1×
- ὑπομενεῖτε,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:2
looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
This verse identifies Jesus as the primary model of endurance, showing that His perseverance was driven by a future joy rather than present pain.
-
James 1:12
Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.
Here the word connects enduring temptation directly to receiving the 'crown of life,' framing patience as the path to spiritual approval.
-
Matthew 24:13
But he who endures to the end will be saved.
This occurrence ties endurance to salvation, emphasizing that remaining faithful until the end is a critical mark of genuine belief.
-
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
Paul lists enduring troubles alongside rejoicing in hope, presenting patience as an active discipline for daily Christian living.