ὑστέρημα (husterēma)
husterēma
deficiency
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun husterēma refers to a deficiency or that which is lacking, particularly in the context of material resources and physical needs. In the New Testament, it describes a state of want or poverty, often arising from a shortfall in what is necessary for sustenance or well-being. This term moves beyond abstract lack to point toward tangible deprivation.
Its usage highlights two distinct scenarios: the active filling of a gap and the experience of need itself. In 1 Corinthians 16:17 and Philippians 2:30, it denotes a specific shortage that has been or needs to be remedied by others. Conversely, in Luke 21:4 and 2 Corinthians 9:12, it characterizes the destitution of those who have given everything, framing their poverty as the very fuel for generosity.
A key theological nuance appears in 2 Corinthians 8:13-14, where Paul contrasts husterēma with perisseuma (surplus). He argues that God’s economy is designed to balance these states, ensuring that those who have plenty meet the needs of those who lack. This creates a cycle of mutual care rather than permanent inequality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word husterēma points to a tangible gap—a shortage of what is needed for life or ministry. It describes the reality of having less than enough, whether that means lacking food, resources, or spiritual maturity. This term reminds us that need is not a failure but a shared human condition that invites connection.
In Christian community, this deficiency becomes an opportunity for mutual care. When one person has a surplus, it meets another’s lack, creating a balance where everyone’s needs are honored. This cycle of giving and receiving reflects God’s design for equality and interdependence, ensuring no one is left behind in their struggles.
Understanding husterēma helps us see our own weaknesses not as shame but as invitations to rely on others and on God’s provision. It encourages a posture of humility and generosity, knowing that both giving and receiving are sacred acts of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- need,2×
- the need1×
- poverty1×
- needs1×
- lacking1×
- is lacking1×
- deficit1×
- deficiency1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑστερήματα3×
- ὑστέρημα,2×
- ὑστέρημα2×
- ὑστέρημά1×
- ὑστερήματος1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 8:14
but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack, that there may be equality.
Paul uses this word to define the goal of Christian giving as equality, where surplus meets lack in a reciprocal cycle.
-
Luke 21:4
for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”
The widow’s offering is described as covering her entire husterēma, highlighting total dependence on God rather than abundance.
-
I Corinthians 16:17
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
Stephanas and his companions supplied the specific deficiency that the Corinthian church had failed to address.