5224. huparchonta
Lexical Summary
huparchonta: possessions, belongings, property

Original Word: ὑπάρχοντα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: huparchonta
Pronunciation: hoop-ar'-khon-tah
Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ar'-khon-tah)
KJV: goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast
Word Origin: [neuter plural of present participle active of G5225 (ὑπάρχω - possessions) as noun]

1. things extant or in hand, i.e. property or possessions

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
goods, that which one has, things which one possesseth, substance, that hast.

Neuter plural of present participle active of huparcho as noun; things extant or in hand, i.e. Property or possessions -- goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast.

see GREEK huparcho

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
neut. pl. of pres. active participle of huparchó, q.v.

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Scope

Ὑπάρχοντα is the neuter plural participial form of the verb ὑπάρχω, a verb that covers the ideas of “being,” “existing,” and, by extension, “that which one has” or “possessions.” In Classical and Koine usage this plural participle often functions substantivally to denote one’s goods, property, or resources. While the exact form ὑπάρχοντα does not appear in any extant verse of the Greek New Testament, its lexical background and cognate forms illuminate key biblical themes relating to existence, stewardship, and material wealth.

Relationship to Cognate Forms in the New Testament

1. Ontological use

Philippians 2:6—“Who, existing (ὑπάρχων) in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.”

Here the participle highlights Christ’s continuous, essential being. The ontological nuance underscores that true existence is grounded in divine nature rather than in temporal possessions.

2. Possessive or circumstantial use

Luke 16:23—the rich man “in Hades, being (ὑπάρχων) in torment.”

Acts 2:45—“They sold property and possessions (ὑπάρξεις) and distributed the proceeds to anyone who had need.”

Though different inflected forms are used, the semantic field extends to circumstances one “has” or resources available for ministry.

Septuagint and Intertestamental Background

Ὑπάρχω and its plural participial usage are well attested in the Septuagint. For example, in Genesis 34:23 (LXX) the term covers livestock and other goods Jacob possessed. The intertestamental writings likewise employ the participle for earthly assets (e.g., 2 Maccabees 3:14). This background contributes to the New Testament’s seamless movement between “what exists” and “what belongs to someone.”

Theological Themes

1. The Transience of Earthly Goods

Matthew 6:19–21—“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Though the form ὑπάρχοντα is absent, the concept is ever-present: earthly ‘existings’ are temporary, whereas heavenly treasure is eternal.

2. Stewardship and Generosity

Acts 4:32—“No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”

The early church’s handling of material ὑπάρξεις demonstrates that Christian stewardship turns personal goods into communal blessing.

3. Identity Versus Possessions

Luke 12:15—“For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

The participial root reminds believers that human worth resides in being (ὑπάρχω) in Christ, not in external holdings (ὑπάρχοντα).

Ministry and Discipleship Implications

• Financial discipleship: Because belongings are framed as temporary “existings,” believers are exhorted to view wealth as a tool for kingdom service, not personal security.
• Hospitality: The early church’s model encourages modern congregations to deploy material ὑπάρξεις for benevolence and mission.
• Contentment: Passages such as Hebrews 13:5 (“Be content with what you have”) draw on the same semantic current: real contentment flows from God’s abiding presence, not from acquired goods.

Historical Reception

Early church fathers frequently echo the New Testament’s view. Chrysostom, commenting on Acts, speaks of “our present existings” (τὰ παρόντα ὑπάρχοντα) as resources on loan from God. Medieval monastic traditions, while sometimes taking vows of poverty, still regarded communal property as ὑπάρχοντα entrusted to the order for ministry. Reformation theologians stressed vocation and careful stewardship, teaching that ordinary labor-produced ὑπάρξεις are to be managed for God’s glory.

Practical Counsel

• Prioritize eternal investments: channel time, skill, and money toward gospel advance (Matthew 6:33).
• Hold property loosely: be open-handed with both surplus and essentials, trusting God to supply every need (Philippians 4:19).
• Integrate being and having: allow identity in Christ to govern how possessions are acquired, used, and relinquished.

Summary

Though the specific form ὑπάρχοντα never surfaces in the Greek New Testament text, its lexical family permeates Scripture. It captures a dual reality: what truly “is” (God, Christ, the believer’s new life) and what is merely “had” (temporal goods). Recognizing the distinction safeguards believers from materialism, fuels generosity, and aligns daily stewardship with eternal purpose.

Forms and Transliterations
υπαρξάτω υπάρξει υπάρξεις υπάρξη υπάρξουσι υπάρξω υπάρξωσι υπάρχει υπάρχειν υπαρχέτω υπάρχη υπάρχον υπάρχοντα υπάρχοντά υπάρχοντας υπάρχοντες υπάρχοντος υπαρχόντων υπάρχουσα υπαρχούσης υπάρχουσι υπάρχουσιν υπάρχω υπάρχων υπάρχωσι υπάρχωσιν υπήρξε υπήρχε υπήρχεν υπήρχον
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