ὑποτάσσω (hupotassō)
hupotassō
to subject
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupotassō carries a distinctly military flavor, originally meaning to arrange troops in ranks beneath a commander. In Scripture, this imagery expands to describe a deliberate ordering of relationships and realities under authority. It appears frequently in passages discussing church order, family roles, and the ultimate submission of all creation to Christ, as seen in Ephesians 5:21-24 and 1 Corinthians 15:27.
Its meaning shifts depending on voice. In the active form, it describes placing something or someone under control, such as God subjecting all things to the Son. In the middle or passive forms, it becomes a call for voluntary obedience, urging believers to submit to human authorities or to God Himself, as James 4:7 instructs readers to "submit yourselves therefore to God." This dual usage highlights both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
The word’s strength lies in its connotation of structured harmony rather than forced defeat. While it can imply subjugation, the New Testament often frames it as a willing alignment with a higher order. This reflects a worldview where proper relationships are established through respectful submission to rightful authority, whether that be earthly leaders or divine command.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupotassō carries a military origin, describing how troops arrange themselves in ranks beneath a commander. In Scripture, this imagery expands to describe a deliberate ordering of relationships and realities under authority. It is not about forced defeat, but rather structured harmony where proper relationships are established through respectful alignment with rightful leadership.
For your daily life, this means finding peace in knowing that order exists for good. When you submit to God or lawful authorities, you are joining a divine structure designed for stability. Jesus Himself was subject to His earthly parents (Luke 2:51), showing that humility is not weakness but a strength that honors God’s plan. This voluntary alignment brings clarity and purpose to your interactions with others.
Whether in family roles or church community, this concept invites you to serve within a framework of mutual respect. It reminds us that true freedom often comes from willingly placing ourselves under wise guidance. By embracing this order, we reflect the harmony intended by God, fostering unity and reducing conflict in our personal and communal lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do be subjected3×
- to be subject,2×
- having put in subjection2×
- being subject2×
- be subject2×
- will we be in subjection1×
- will be put in subjection1×
- when were being subjected1×
- was subjected,1×
- to subdue1×
- they submitted.1×
- they should be submitted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπέταξεν3×
- ὑποτάσσεσθαι,3×
- ὑποτασσόμενοι3×
- ὑποτάσσεται·2×
- ὑποτάσσεται2×
- ὑποτάσσεσθε2×
- ὑποτάξαι2×
- ὑποτάγητε2×
- ὑποτασσόμεναι2×
- Ὑποτάγητε1×
- ὑπέταξας1×
- ὑποτέτακται,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:51
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
This verse shows Jesus voluntarily submitting to His earthly parents, demonstrating that humility is a strength rather than a sign of inferiority.
-
Ephesians 5:21
subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.
Here the word frames mutual submission among believers as the foundation for all other relationships within the church community.
-
Romans 13:1
Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.
This occurrence establishes that civil authorities are ordained by God, calling believers to a respectful order in society.
-
Hebrews 12:9
Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
The author uses this term to argue that if we respect earthly fathers, we should much more willingly submit to God the Father of spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hupotassō mean in the New Testament?
Is submission always about wives and husbands?
Does this word imply weakness?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 10 books)
Luke 3 verses
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her…
Luke 10:17The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
Luke 10:20Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in…