ὑστερέω (hustereō)
hustereō
to lack
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hustereō describes a state of coming short or lacking something essential. Derived from a root meaning "late" or "behind," it carries the image of falling behind in a race and failing to reach the finish line. In Scripture, this often translates to being in want or suffering need, as seen when the young ruler claims he has kept all commandments yet lacks one thing (Matthew 19:20), or when Jesus asks if his disciples lacked anything during their mission (Luke 22:35).
Its usage extends beyond material poverty to spiritual and moral deficiency. Paul employs it to describe the universal human condition of falling short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) and to assure the Corinthians that he is not inferior to any super-apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5). The word also appears in Hebrews to warn against failing to attain the promised rest (Hebrews 4:1) or coming short of God’s grace (Hebrews 12:15), emphasizing a failure to reach a required standard rather than merely possessing few resources.
Translators typically render hustereō as "lack," "fall short," or "be in want." This range captures both the tangible sense of material need and the abstract sense of moral or spiritual inadequacy. The term consistently points to a gap between what is required and what is possessed, whether that deficiency involves physical sustenance or divine righteousness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a gap between what we have and what is truly needed. It often points to a spiritual deficiency rather than just an empty bank account. When we feel we are falling short of God’s glory, this term reminds us that our own efforts are insufficient on their own.
Yet this lack is not the end of the story. In Philippians 4:12, Paul shares how he learned to be content whether in abundance or in need. This stability comes from trusting Christ, who fills the void we cannot fix ourselves. We do not need to hide our insufficiency; instead, we bring it to Him.
Recognising our need for grace is the first step toward receiving it. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, turning our sense of lack into an opportunity for His power to work through us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when was running out1×
- was I inferior1×
- to have fallen short.1×
- to have been inferior1×
- to be lacking1×
- to be in need.1×
- to be deficient;1×
- they fall short1×
- is lacking;1×
- is become lacking1×
- having been in need1×
- do I lack?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑστέρησα1×
- ὑστερῶν1×
- ὑστερῶ;¶1×
- ὑστερήσατε;1×
- ὑστερήσαντος1×
- ὑστεροῦνται1×
- ὑστερούμενοι,1×
- ὑστερούμεθα,1×
- ὑστερουμένῳ1×
- ὑστερηκέναι.1×
- ὑστερηκέναι1×
- ὑστερηθεὶς1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
This verse uses the word to define the universal human condition of falling short of God's glory, establishing the need for salvation.
-
Mark 10:21
Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”
Jesus identifies a specific spiritual lack in the rich young ruler, showing that keeping rules is not enough without total devotion.
-
Philippians 4:12
I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
Paul describes his learned contentment in both abundance and need, demonstrating trust in God regardless of circumstances.
-
Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and many be defiled by it,
The author warns believers to watch for any failure to attain the grace of God, highlighting the danger of spiritual neglect.