Lexical Summary huper: for, on behalf of, above, beyond, more than Original Word: ὑπέρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance on behalf of, beyondA primary preposition; "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than -- (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very. In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications. HELPS Word-studies 5228 hypér (a preposition) – properly, beyond (above); (figuratively) to extend benefit (help) that reaches beyond the present situation. 5228 /hypér ("beyond") is usually best translated "for the betterment (advantage) of," i.e. focusing on benefit. M. Vincent, "5228 (hypér) signifies something like 'in the interests of the truth . . . concerning.' J. B. Lightfoot (on Gal 1:4) . . . remarks that hypér has 'a sense of interest in,' which is wanting to peri" (WS). [5228 (hypér) naturally expresses conferring benefit, i.e. for the sake of "betterment" (improvement, extending benefit).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. preposition Definition over, beyond, fig. on behalf of, for the sake of, concerning NASB Translation about (5), above (4), behalf (22), beyond (4), concerning (3), exceed (1), more so (1), more than (5), over (2), regard (1), sake (9), sakes (1), than (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5228: ὑπέρὑπέρ (cf. English up, over, etc.), Latin super, over, a preposition, which stands before either the genitive or the accusative according as it is used to express the idea of state and rest or of motion over and beyond a place. I. with the genitive; cf. Winer's Grammar, 382f (358f). 1. properly, of place, i. e. of position, situation, extension: over, above, beyond, across. In this sense it does not occur in the N. T.; but there it always, though joined to other classes of words, has a tropical signification derived from its original meaning. 2. equivalent to Latinpro, for, i. e. for one's safety, for one's advantage or benefit (one who does a thing for another, is conceived of as standing or bending 'over' the one whom he would shield or defend (cf. Winer's Grammar, as above)): προσεύχεσθε ὑπέρ τῶν ..., Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28 (T Tr marginal reading WH περί (see 6 below)); Colossians 1:3 L Tr WH marginal reading (see 6 below); (James 5:16 L Tr marginal reading WH text), 9; εὔχομαι, James 5:16 (R G T Tr text WH marginal reading); after δέομαι, Acts 8:24; and nouns denoting prayer, as δέησις, Romans 10:1; 2 Corinthians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 9:14; Philippians 1:4; Ephesians 6:19; προσευχή, Acts 12:5 (here L T Tr WH περί (see 6 below)); Romans 15:30; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2; εἶναι ὑπέρ τίνος (opposed to κατά τίνος), to be for one i. e. to be on one's side, to favor and further one's cause, Mark 9:40; Luke 9:50; Romans 8:31, cf. 2 Corinthians 13:8; τό ὑπέρ τίνος that which is for one's advantage, Philippians 4:10 (but see ἀναθάλλω and φρονέω, at the end); ἐντυγχάνω and ὑπερεντυγχάνω, Romans 8:26 R G, 27,34; Hebrews 7:25, cf. Hebrews 9:24; λέγω, Acts 26:1 R WH text (see 6 below); μερίμνω, 1 Corinthians 12:25; ἀγρύπνω, Hebrews 13:17; ἀγωνίζομαι ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς, Colossians 4:12, cf. Romans 15:30; πρεσβεύω, Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20; with a substantive: ζῆλος, 2 Corinthians 7:7; (Colossians 4:13 Rec.); πόνος, Colossians 4:13 (G L T Tr WH); σπουδή, 2 Corinthians 7:12; 2 Corinthians 8:16; διάκονος, Colossians 1:7; to offer offerings for, Acts 21:26; to enter the heavenly sanctuary for (used of Christ), Hebrews 6:20; ἀρχειρεα καθίστασθαι, Hebrews 5:1; after the ideas of suffering, dying, giving up life, etc.: Romans 9:3; Romans 16:4; 2 Corinthians 12:15; after τήν ψυχήν τιθέναι (ὑπέρ τίνος), in order to avert ruin, death, etc., from one, John 10:11; John 13:37f; of Christ dying to procure salvation for his own, John 10:15; John 15:13; 1 John 3:16; Christ is said τό αἷμα αὐτοῦ ἐκχύνειν, passive, Mark 14:24 L T Tr WH (see 6 below); Luke 22:20 (WH reject the passage); ἀπολέσθαι, John 18:14 Rec.; ἀποθνῄσκειν, John 11:50ff; ( 3. in the place of, instead of (which is more precisely expressed by ἀντί; hence, the two prepositions are interchanged by Irenaeus, adv. haer. 5, 1, τῷ ἰδίῳ αἵματι λυτρωσαμένου ἡμᾶς τοῦ κυρίου καί δόντος τήν ψυχήν ὑπέρ τῶν ἡμετέρων ψυχῶν καί τήν σάρκα τήν ἑαυτοῦ ἀντί τῶν ἡμετέρων σαρκῶν): ἵνα ὑπέρ σου μοι διακονῇ, Philemon 1:13; ὑπέρ τῶν νεκρῶν βαπτίζεσθαι (see βαπτίζω, at the end), 1 Corinthians 15:29; (add, Colossians 1:7 L text Tr text WH text); in expressions concerning the death of Christ: εἷς ὑπέρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν (for the inference is drawn ἄρα οἱ πάντες ἀπέθανον, i. e. all are reckoned as dead), 2 Corinthians 5:14(15),15; add, 21; Galatians 3:13. (On this debated sense of ὑπέρ, see Meyer and Van Hengel on Romans 5:6; Ellicott on Galatians and Philemon, the passages cited; Wieseler on Galatians 1:4; Trench, Synonyms, § lxxxii.; Winer's Grammar, 383 (358) note.) Since anything, whether of an active or passive character which is undertaken on behalf of a person or thing, is undertaken 'on account of' that person or thing, ὑπέρ is used 4. of the impelling or moving cause; on account of, for the sake of, any person or thing: ὑπέρ τῆς τοῦ κόσμου ζοης, to procure (true) life for mankind, John 6:51; to do or suffer anything ὑπέρ τοῦ ὀνόματος Θεοῦ, Ἰησοῦ, τοῦ κυρίου: Acts 5:41; Acts 9:16; Acts 15:26; Acts 21:13; Romans 1:5; 3 John 1:7; πάσχειν ὑπέρ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Philippians 1:29; ὑπέρ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ, 2 Thessalonians 1:5; στενοχωριαι ὑπέρ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, 2 Corinthians 12:10 (it is better to connect ὑπέρ etc. here with εὐδοκῶ); ἀποθνῄσκειν ὑπέρ Θεοῦ, Ignatius ad Rom. 4 [ET]. examples with a genitive of the thing are, John 11:4; Romans 15:8; 2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 12:19; ὑπέρ τῆς εὐδοκίας, to satisfy (his) good-pleasure, Philippians 2:13; with a genitive of the person, 2 Corinthians 1:6; Ephesians 3:1, 13; Colossians 1:24; δοξάζειν, εὐχαριστεῖν ὑπέρ τίνος (genitive of the thing), Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 10:30; ὑπέρ πάντων, for all favors, Ephesians 5:20; ἐυηξαρίστειν ὑπέρ with a genitive of the person, Romans 1:8 (here L T Tr WH περί (see 6 below)); 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 1:16; ἀγῶνα ἔχειν ὑπέρ with a genitive of the person Colossians 2:1 L T Tr WH (see 6 below); ὑπέρ (τῶν) ἁμαρτιῶν (or ἀγνοημάτων), to offer sacrifices, Hebrews 5:1, 3 (here L T Tr WH περί (see 6 below)); 5. Like the Latinsuper (cf. Klotz, HWB, d. Latin Spr. ii, p. 1497b; (Harpers' Latin Dict. under the word, II. B. 2 b.)), it frequently refers to the object under consideration, concerning, of, as respects, with regard to ((cf. Buttmann, § 147, 21); examples from secular authors are given in Winer's Grammar, 383 (358f)); so after καυχᾶσθαι, καύχημα, καύχησις (R. V. on behalf of): 2 Corinthians 5:12; 2 Corinthians 7:4, 14; 2 Corinthians 8:24; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 12:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (here L T Tr WH εγ( (or εν() καυχᾶσθαι); φυσιουσθαι, 1 Corinthians 4:6 (others refer this to 4 above; see Meyer edition Heinrici (cf. φυσιόω, 2 at the end)); ἐλπίς, 2 Corinthians 1:7 (6); ἀγνοεῖν, 8 (here L T Tr WH marginal reading περί (see 6 below)); φρονεῖν, Philippians 1:7 (2 Macc. 14:8); ἐρωτᾶν, 2 Thessalonians 2:1; κράζειν, to proclaim concerning, Romans 9:27; (παρακαλεῖν, 1 Thessalonians 3:2 G L T Tr WH (see 6 below)); after εἰπεῖν, John 1:30 L T Tr WH (see 6 below); (so after verbs of saying, writing, etc., 2 Samuel 18:5; 2 Chronicles 31:9; Joel 1:3; Judith 15:4; 1 Esdr. 4:49; 2 Macc. 11:35); εἴτε ὑπέρ Τίτου, whether inquiry be made about Titus, 2 Corinthians 8:23; ὑπέρ τούτου, concerning this, 2 Corinthians 12:8. 6. In the N. T. manuscripts, as in those of secular authors also, the prepositions ὑπέρ and περί are confounded (cf. Winers Grammar, 383 (358) note; § 50, 3; Buttmann, § 147, 21; Kühner, § 435, I. 2 e.; Meisterhans, § 49, 12; also Wieseler or Ellicott on Galatians, as below; Meyer on 1 Corinthians 15:3 (see περί, the passage cited δ.)); this occurs in the following passages: Mark 14:24; (Luke 6:28); John 1:30; Acts 12:5; Acts 26:1; Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:8; Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:3; Colossians 2:1; (1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:10); Hebrews 5:3. (For ὑπέρ ἐκ περισσοῦ or ὑπέρ ἐκπερισσοῦ, see ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ.) II. with the accusative (cf. Winers Grammar, § 49, e.); over, beyond, away over; more than; 1. properly, of the place 'over' or 'beyond' which, as in the Greek writings from Homer down; not thus used in the N. T., where it is always 2. metaphorically, of the measure or degree exceeded (cf. Buttmann, § 147, 21); a. universally: εἶναι ὑπέρ τινα, to be above i. e. superior to one, Matthew 10:24; Luke 6:40; τό ὄνομα τό ὑπέρ πᾶν ὄνομα namely, ὄν, the name superior to every (other) name, Philippians 2:9; κεφαλήν ὑπέρ πάντα namely, οὖσαν, the supreme head or lord (A. V. head over all things), Ephesians 1:22; ὑπέρ δοῦλον ὄντα, more than a servant, Philemon 1:16; more than (R. V. beyond), Philemon 1:21; ὑπέρ πάντα, above (i. e. more and greater than) all, Ephesians 3:20a; ὑπέρ τήν λαμπρότητα τοῦ ἡλίου, above (i. e. surpassing) the brightness of the sun, Acts 26:13; more (to a greater degree) than, φιλεῖν τινα ὑπέρ τινα, Matthew 10:37 (examples from secular authors are given by Fritzsche at the passage); beyond, 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 12:6; ὑπέρ ὁ δύνασθε, beyond what ye are able, beyond your strength, 1 Corinthians 10:13 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 590 (549)); also ὑπέρ δύναμιν, 2 Corinthians 1:8; opposed to κατά δύναμιν (as in Homer, Iliad 3, 59 κατ' Αισαν, ὀυδ' ὑπέρ Αισαν, cf. 6, 487; 17, 321. 327), 2 Corinthians 8:3 (where L T Tr WH παρά δύναμιν). b. with words implying comparison: προκόπτειν, Galatians 1:14; of the measure beyond which one is reduced, ή῾ττασθαι, 2 Corinthians 12:13 (Winer's Grammar, § 49 e.), (πλεονάζω, 1 Esdr. 8:72; περισσεύω, 1 Macc. 3:30; ὑπερβάλω, Sir. 25:11); after comparatives equivalent to than, Luke 16:8; Hebrews 4:12 (Judges 11:25; 1 Kings 19:4; Sir. 30:17); cf. Winers Grammar, § 35, 2; (Buttmann, § 147, 21). c. ὑπέρ is used adverbially; as, ὑπέρ ἐγώ (L ὑπερεγώ (cf. Winers Grammar, 46 (45)), WH ὑπέρ ἐγώ (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 14, 2 Note)), much more (or in a much greater degree) I, 2 Corinthians 11:23; cf. Kypke at the passage; Winer's Grammar, 423 (394). (For ὑπέρ λίαν see ὑπερλίαν.) III. In Composition ὑπέρ denotes 1. over, above, beyond: ὑπεράνω, ὑπερέκεινα, ὑπερεκτείνω. 2. excess of measure, more than: ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ, ὑπερνικάω. 3. aid, for; in defense of: ὑπερεντυγχάνω. Cf. Viger. edition Hermann, p. 668; Fritzsche on Romans, vol. i., p. 351; (Ellicott on Ephesians 3:20). ὑπὲρ is the New Testament’s primary preposition for conveying the ideas “on behalf of,” “for the sake of,” “instead of,” and “above/beyond.” In its 155 uses it describes Christ’s atoning work, apostolic intercession, sacrificial ministry, surpassing greatness, and super-abundant grace. The term creates a rich tapestry that unites doctrine and discipleship, anchoring substitutionary atonement while motivating believers to pray, suffer, and serve for the good of others and the glory of God. Substitution and Sacrificial Atonement The heart of the Gospel is expressed with ὑπὲρ. Jesus speaks of His blood poured out “for many” (Mark 14:24). John records, “The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Paul declares, “Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) and summarizes the message he “received” and “passed on” that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3). These texts show ὑπὲρ marking true substitution—the innocent taking the place of the guilty—fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant. The same preposition grounds Christ’s priestly offering in Hebrews 9:24–28: He appears “in God’s presence on our behalf,” presenting His once-for-all sacrifice. Intercession and Representation ὑπὲρ frames the ongoing ministry of prayer. Jesus prays “for them” in John 17:9, and He “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Paul urges “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). In Romans 8:27 the Spirit Himself intercedes ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἀγίου “for the saints.” These occurrences highlight a heavenly and earthly partnership of advocacy in which Christ, the Spirit, and believers labor together. Service and Ministry on Behalf of Others Apostolic life is consistently described with ὑπὲρ. Paul writes that he “will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15). Epaphroditus “nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life” (Philippians 2:30). Aquila and Priscilla risked their necks ὑπὲρ Paul (Romans 16:4). Such statements move beyond sentiment; they model sacrificial discipleship. Superiority and Exceeding Nature When ὑπὲρ modifies comparatives it means “above” or “beyond.” The Father “placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church” (Ephesians 1:22). God is “for us” (Romans 8:31); therefore no adversary can prevail. The compounded adverbs ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ (Ephesians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:13) and ὑπερλίαν (2 Corinthians 11:5; 2 Corinthians 12:11) intensify this sense, stressing God’s ability to do “exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask or imagine.” Perseverance and Suffering for Christ Jesus warns His followers they will suffer ὑπὲρ His name (Acts 9:16; Philippians 1:29). The apostles rejoice that they were “counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). Suffering ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ is not punitive but participatory, sharing in His afflictions (Colossians 1:24) and displaying the surpassing worth of the Gospel. Evangelism and Mission Paul identifies himself as “an ambassador… imploring you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). The language roots evangelism in substitution: ambassadors speak in the place of their Sovereign. Apollos, Timothy, Tychicus, Epaphras, and others minister ὑπὲρ the churches, multiplying Gospel witness (Colossians 1:7; 4:12). Prayer and Thanksgiving Believers persistently pray ὑπὲρ one another (Ephesians 6:18–20). Paul “always thanks” God ὑπὲρ the churches (Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3-4). Intercessory prayer knits the Body together and calls down grace greater than any threat. Christological Significance Every strand of ὑπὲρ theology converges on Christ—His substitutionary death, His exaltation over all, His continual intercession, and His life reproduced in believers who love “not in word but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18), even to the point of laying down their lives ὑπὲρ the brethren (1 John 3:16). Pauline Theology Paul employs ὑπὲρ 91 times, shaping soteriology (“delivered up for our trespasses,” Romans 4:25), ethics (“do not destroy your brother for whom Christ died,” Romans 14:15), ecclesiology (“for the equipping of the saints,” Ephesians 4:12), and eschatology (“through Christ we are more than conquerors,” Romans 8:37 implied). Petrine and Johannine Contributions Peter emphasizes exemplary suffering: “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous” (1 Peter 3:18). John underscores the motive of love: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Hebrews and the High Priestly Ministry Hebrews concentrates ὑπὲρ in temple imagery: priests are appointed “to act on behalf of men” (Hebrews 5:1). Jesus enters “heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf” (Hebrews 9:24), guaranteeing an eternal redemption. Practical Applications for Believers • Embrace intercessory prayer, lifting others before God. Summary ὑπὲρ weaves through the New Testament as the linguistic thread tying together substitution, intercession, superiority, and sacrifice. Through it Scripture proclaims a Savior who died and lives “for us,” summons a church that prays and serves “for one another,” and promises a victory secured by a God who is forever “for us.” Englishman's Concordance Matthew 5:44 PrepGRK: καὶ προσεύχεσθε ὑπὲρ τῶν διωκόντων KJV: pray for them which INT: and pray for those who persecute Matthew 10:24 Prep Matthew 10:24 Prep Matthew 10:37 Prep Matthew 10:37 Prep Mark 9:40 Prep Mark 14:24 Prep Luke 6:40 Prep Luke 9:50 Prep Luke 16:8 Prep Luke 22:19 Prep Luke 22:20 Prep John 1:30 Prep John 6:51 Prep John 10:11 Prep John 10:15 Prep John 11:4 Prep John 11:50 Prep John 11:51 Prep John 11:52 Prep John 13:37 Prep John 13:38 Prep John 15:13 Prep John 17:19 Prep John 18:14 Prep Strong's Greek 5228 |
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