ὑπομονή (hupomonē)
hupomonē
perseverance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hupomonē describes a steadfast endurance that keeps a person from swerving away from their purpose when facing trials. It is not merely passive waiting but an active, resolute staying power. In the New Testament, this quality appears frequently in Paul’s letters and Revelation, where it characterizes those who remain loyal to faith despite severe suffering or persecution.
Its root sense involves remaining behind or staying put under pressure. The sources note that while related words like makrothymia focus on long-suffering toward others, hupomonē is directed inwardly against external aggression and hardship. This distinction highlights a personal fortitude rather than interpersonal patience. For instance, James links it to testing that produces maturity (James 1:3-4), while Revelation speaks of the "patient endurance" required by God’s people in times of crisis (Revelation 13:10; 14:12).
Translators often render this word as "patience," though that English term can imply a quiet, emotional passivity. The Greek concept is more robust, suggesting a moral strength that sustains the believer through adversity. It appears in contexts ranging from hope for future glory (Romans 5:3-4) to the concrete endurance of martyrs in early Christian tradition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupomonē describes a steady, active strength that keeps you moving forward when life presses in hard. It is not passive waiting but a firm grip on God’s promises despite the weight of trials. This endurance helps you stay focused on your purpose, even when circumstances feel heavy or confusing.
In Romans 5:3-4, we see how suffering produces this quality, leading to proven character and hope. When you face difficulties, remember that God uses these moments to build spiritual maturity within you. It is a gift that strengthens your faith over time, helping you remain loyal to Christ through every season.
This steadfastness allows you to look beyond immediate pain toward the eternal glory God has prepared. It invites you to trust His timing and character, knowing that He sustains you with joy even in hardship. May this hope anchor your heart today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- endurance11×
- perseverance6×
- endurance,3×
- patient endurance2×
- steadfastness1×
- perseverance.1×
- perseverance,1×
- patience1×
- of endurance1×
- in endurance.1×
- in endurance1×
- endurance;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπομονῆς8×
- ὑπομονὴν6×
- ὑπομονῇ5×
- ὑπομονὴ4×
- ὑπομονῇ.¶2×
- ὑπομονῇ,2×
- ὑπομονήν,2×
- ὑπομονήν2×
- ὑπομονήν·1×
Key Verses
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Romans 5:3
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
This verse establishes the causal link where suffering actively produces perseverance, showing that trials are not meaningless but formative for spiritual growth.
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James 1:4
Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Here, perseverance is described as having its 'perfect work,' indicating that enduring tests leads to completeness and maturity in faith rather than just survival.
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Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
The metaphor of running a race with perseverance emphasizes the active, forward-moving nature of faith required to finish well amidst distractions and sins.
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Revelation of John 1:9
I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Paul identifies himself as a partner in 'perseverance in Christ,' highlighting that this endurance is specifically rooted in union with Jesus during times of oppression.