ὑποτίθημι (hupotithēmi)
hupotithēmi
to lay
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupotithēmi literally means to place something underneath or to lay it down. In the New Testament, this physical action takes on a metaphorical sense of supplying or suggesting an idea. It describes the act of putting a thought into someone’s mind, often implying that the suggestion comes from one’s own resources or understanding.
This word appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, highlighting its specific and somewhat rare usage. In Romans 16:4, it is used in the striking phrase "risking their neck," where the image of laying down one's life under threat is employed to describe the courage of Priscilla and Aquila. In 1 Timothy 4:6, Paul instructs Timothy to "present" or suggest these truths to the brothers, emphasizing the role of teaching and reminding believers of sound doctrine.
The combination of the prefix hupo (under) and tithēmi (to place) creates a vivid picture of foundation or support. Whether it is the foundational act of laying down one’s life for others or the supportive act of supplying spiritual truth, the word conveys a sense of offering something essential from below, lifting it up for others to receive.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word hupotithēmi paints a picture of placing something beneath another object, often to support or supply it. In the New Testament, this physical action becomes a metaphor for offering ideas or truths to others. It suggests that we draw from what has been laid down before us—whether by Christ’s sacrifice or through faithful teaching—and present it as nourishment for our community.
When Paul mentions Priscilla and Aquila risking their lives in Romans 16:4, he uses a related concept of laying down one's safety for another. This reminds us that true service often involves personal cost. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 4:6, believers are encouraged to present sound doctrine to others, acting as good servants who share what they have received. These acts of laying down our own comfort or knowledge for the benefit of others reflect the heart of Christian love.
As you grow in your faith, consider how you might offer support to those around you. Whether through sharing biblical truths or risking your own ease for someone else’s good, these small acts of laying down create a strong foundation for the church. May you find joy in being a source of strength and truth for others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- laying before1×
- laid down,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπέθηκαν,1×
- ὑποτιθέμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:4
who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.
This verse highlights the extreme cost of laying down one's safety, showing how hupotithēmi connects physical risk with spiritual loyalty.
-
I Timothy 4:6
If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed.
Here the word emphasizes the duty of believers to supply others with the nourishment of sound doctrine they have already received.