ὑποφέρω (hupopherō)
hupopherō
to endure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupopherō describes the act of bearing a weight by being situated underneath it. Its literal sense involves carrying something placed on one’s shoulders, but in Scripture it almost always carries a metaphorical meaning: to endure hardship or suffer patiently under pressure. The word combines hupo ("under") with pherō ("to bear"), creating an image of stability and support beneath a burden rather than just passive suffering.
This distinction gives the word a specific theological weight. It is not merely about experiencing pain, but about sustaining it without collapsing. Paul uses this term in 1 Corinthians 10:13 to assure believers that God provides a way to "endure" temptation, implying divine support for the burden. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 3:11, he points to his own sufferings as examples of enduring persecution with steadfastness.
In 1 Peter 2:19, the word appears in a context where believers are called to endure unjust suffering. The nuance here is crucial: it suggests a conscious, patient bearing of weight that aligns with God’s will. Unlike words that might imply defeat, hupopherō conveys the strength to remain upright under pressure, reflecting a faith that holds firm when circumstances press down.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word hupopherō paints a vivid picture of standing firm beneath a heavy load. It combines the idea of being 'under' with 'bearing,' suggesting that we are not just passively suffering, but actively sustaining the weight placed upon us. This distinction offers comfort: God does not leave us to collapse under pressure. Instead, He provides the strength to hold our ground, turning moments of trial into opportunities for steadfast faith.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, this promise is clear. When temptation presses down, God ensures we can endure it by providing a way out. This is not about avoiding difficulty, but about having the capacity to bear it with His help. Similarly, Paul’s own experiences in 2 Timothy 3:11 show that enduring persecution is possible because the Lord delivers us through it. Our faith is tested not to break us, but to reveal the stability we find in Him.
Even when suffering feels unjust, as Peter notes in 1 Peter 2:19, bearing it with a clear conscience before God is commendable. This endurance is a gift of grace, allowing us to remain upright and hopeful. May you feel supported in your current burdens, knowing that the One who calls you is faithful to sustain you until the weight lifts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to endure [it].1×
- endures1×
- I endured!1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπήνεγκα,1×
- ὑποφέρει1×
- ὑπενεγκεῖν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
This verse highlights God's faithfulness in providing both the capacity and the escape route, showing that endurance is a shared experience supported by divine provision.
-
II Timothy 3:11
persecutions, and sufferings—those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all.
Paul references his own persecutions to demonstrate that enduring hardship is part of the Christian journey, with the Lord's deliverance as the ultimate outcome.
-
I Peter 2:19
For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.
Peter connects enduring unjust suffering directly to having a conscience toward God, framing patience in pain as a spiritual act of worship and integrity.