ὑποταγή (hupotagē)
hupotagē
submission
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hupotagē describes the act of placing oneself under authority or yielding to a higher order. It carries the sense of orderly subjection rather than forced coercion, reflecting a voluntary alignment with structure. The sources note its usage in contexts where believers demonstrate obedience as a response to divine instruction or ecclesiastical order.
This word appears in four New Testament verses, including passages in First Timothy and Second Corinthians. In these texts, it often relates to the conduct expected within the church community, such as the behavior of women in worship settings or the management of household responsibilities by leaders. The term implies a structured relationship where respect and order are maintained through willing submission.
Its root verb, hupotassō, means to arrange under or place in rank. This etymological background highlights that hupotagē is not merely passive acceptance but an active positioning within a defined hierarchy. Translators typically render it as "submission" or "subjection," capturing the idea of fitting into one's assigned role within the body of Christ with humility and order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupotagē points to an active ordering of life under God’s design rather than a passive surrender. It suggests that true peace comes when we align our wills with the structures He has established, whether in the church or the home. This is not about losing your voice but finding your place within a larger, loving order.
When we choose to submit, we join a rhythm of trust. We acknowledge that God’s ways are higher and that His authority brings freedom, not restriction. This posture allows us to serve others with humility and to live in harmony with those around us, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily interactions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- submission2×
- submissiveness;1×
- in subjection,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑποταγῇ2×
- ὑποταγῇ·1×
- ὑποταγῇ,1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 2:11
Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission.
This verse applies hupotagē to a woman's approach to learning, linking it with quietness and fullness of submission.
-
I Timothy 3:4
one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence;
Here the term describes children being in subjection to their father, highlighting reverence as part of household order.
-
Galatians 2:5
to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.
Paul refuses to give ground in submission here to protect the truth of the Gospel from compromise.