from ὑπό and ἄγω; to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively:--depart, get hence, go (a-)way.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hypágō**, represented by `{{G5217}}`, is a term for departure and movement, derived from ὑπό and ἄγω. Its base definition is to lead (oneself) under, meaning to withdraw, retire, depart, get hence, or go away. It appears **81 times** across **77 unique verses**, often carrying a sense of definite purpose or command.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5217}}` is frequently used by Jesus in several key contexts. It is used as a stern command of dismissal, as when He tells Satan, "**Get thee hence**" [[Matthew 4:10]], or when rebuking Peter, "**Get thee** behind me, Satan" [[Matthew 16:23]]. It is also used as an instruction following an act of healing, such as when Jesus tells a cleansed leper to "**go thy way**, shew thyself to the priest" [[Matthew 8:4]]. The word also conveys a call to action, as when Jesus instructs the rich young man to "**go** and sell that thou hast" [[Matthew 19:21]]. Critically, Jesus uses `{{G5217}}` to describe his own purposeful departure to the Father, a concept his disciples struggled to grasp: "I **go my way** to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither **goest thou**?" [[John 16:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nuances of movement and departure in scripture:
* `{{G4198}}` **poreúomai** (to traverse, i.e. travel): This word often signifies a journey. In the account of the ten lepers, Jesus commands them, "**Go** shew yourselves unto the priests," using `{{G4198}}`, and the narrative continues, "as they **went** `{{G5217}}`, they were cleansed" [[Luke 17:14]].
* `{{G1831}}` **exérchomai** (to issue... come forth, out): This emphasizes departing *from* a source. Jesus's divine origin and destination are contrasted using this word and `{{G5217}}`: "he was **come** `{{G1831}}` from God, and **went** `{{G5217}}` to God" [[John 13:3]].
* `{{G190}}` **akolouthéō** (to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany): This is the direct counterpart to departing, meaning to follow. Jesus often pairs the command to **go** `{{G5217}}` with the call to **follow** `{{G190}}`, as in his instruction to the rich man [[Matthew 19:21]] and to Peter [[John 13:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5217}}` is significant, particularly in how it conveys authority and purpose.
* **Divine Authority:** The use of `{{G5217}}` in the imperative demonstrates Christ's absolute authority. He commands demons to **go** [[Matthew 8:32]] and dismisses Satan with a word [[Matthew 4:10]]. This is not a request but a declaration of power over spiritual forces.
* **Christ's Soteriological Journey:** Jesus’s repeated statement that he must "**go away**" is central to his mission. This departure is not a defeat but a necessary, strategic withdrawal to the Father [[John 16:5]]. His going enables the sending of the Comforter and is linked to righteousness [[John 16:10]], showing it is a key part of the plan of salvation.
* **The Path of Humanity:** The word frames the direction of a person's life. One can walk in darkness, not knowing where he **goeth** ([[John 12:35]], [[1 John 2:11]]), or one can follow the Lamb whithersoever he **goeth** [[Revelation 14:4]]. In contrast, the beast and his followers are destined to **go** into perdition [[Revelation 17:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5217}}` moves beyond a simple definition of "to go." It is a word of command that establishes Christ's authority over both the spiritual and physical realms. It is the specific term Jesus uses to describe his purposeful and essential departure to the Father, a cornerstone of his redemptive work. Ultimately, **hypágō** defines a direction, compelling a choice between following Christ on His path or going into darkness and destruction.
TRV