ὑποχωρέω (hupochōreō)
hupochōreō
to withdraw
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupochōreō means to withdraw or step back from a situation. It combines a prefix suggesting "under" with a root meaning "to go," creating an image of moving aside or retreating into a quieter space. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in the Gospel of Luke, describing Jesus’ deliberate choice to remove himself from public attention.
This withdrawal is not an escape born of fear, but a strategic retreat for spiritual focus. For instance, after healing crowds, Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). Similarly, he took his disciples away to a town called Bethsaida to rest and teach privately (Luke 9:10). The word captures the physical act of moving away from pressure to find space for renewal. Translators typically render it as "withdraw" or "retire," highlighting the intentional nature of Jesus’ need for solitude amidst his demanding ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jesus often chose to step away from the crowds. This word describes that deliberate movement into quiet places. It shows us that rest is not laziness but a necessary part of following God. Even the Son of God needed space to pray and recharge.
We can learn from this example. When life feels too loud or heavy, stepping back is allowed. You do not have to stay in the middle of the storm. Finding a quiet corner to breathe and talk with God is a holy thing. It helps you hear His voice again.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- withdrawing1×
- He withdrew1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑποχωρῶν1×
- ὑπεχώρησεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 5:16
But he withdrew himself into the desert and prayed.
This verse shows Jesus withdrawing to pray, highlighting that solitude was essential for His spiritual connection with the Father.
-
Luke 9:10
The apostles, when they had returned, told him what things they had done. He took them and withdrew apart to a desert region of a city called Bethsaida.
Here Jesus takes the disciples away to rest after their ministry work, demonstrating that physical retreat supports spiritual renewal.