### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hypakoḗ**, represented by `{{G5218}}`, means **attentive hearkening**, which by implication is **compliance or submission**. It appears **15 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the verb `{{G5219}}` **hypakoúō**, which means to hear under or listen attentively, `{{G5218}}` signifies an obedience that stems from carefully hearing a command or authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5218}}` is presented as a foundational element of the Christian life. It is the very goal of the apostolic mission, which is to bring about the "**obedience** to the **faith** among all **nations**" [[Romans 1:5]]. This concept is not merely external compliance but involves the inner self, as believers are called to bring every **thought** into captivity to the **obedience** of Christ [[2 Corinthians 10:5]]. This act of **obedience** is contrasted with the **disobedience** `{{G3876}}` of the one man which brought sin into the world, showing that the **obedience** of Christ is what makes many **righteous** [[Romans 5:19]]. Even Christ himself **learned** **obedience** by the things he **suffered** [[Hebrews 5:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G5218}}`:
* `{{G5219}}` **hypakoúō** (hearken, be obedient to, obey): The verb form from which `{{G5218}}` is derived. It emphasizes listening to an authority with the intent to conform. Scripture presents a choice: to whom a person yields themselves as **servants** to **obey** `{{G5219}}`, they can choose either **sin** unto **death** or **obedience** `{{G5218}}` unto **righteousness** [[Romans 6:16]].
* `{{G3876}}` **parakoḗ** (disobedience): The direct opposite of `{{G5218}}`, defined as inattention leading to disobedience. It is used to contrast the effect of Adam's sin with Christ's righteousness, stating that through one man's **disobedience** **many** were made **sinners** [[Romans 5:19]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): This word, meaning reliance upon Christ for salvation, is intrinsically linked to obedience. The proclamation of the gospel is for the "**obedience** of **faith**" among the **nations** [[Romans 16:26]].
* `{{G3982}}` **peíthō** (obey, persuade, trust, yield): This word for persuasion and trust highlights the relational aspect of obedience. Paul expresses his trust in Philemon's willingness to submit, writing, "Having **confidence** in thy **obedience** I **wrote** unto thee" [[Philemon 1:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5218}}` is central to understanding salvation and sanctification.
* **Redemptive Obedience:** The **obedience** of the one, Jesus Christ, stands as the remedy for the **disobedience** of the one man, Adam. By Christ's **obedience**, **many** are **made** **righteous** `{{G1342}}`, reversing the condemnation brought by sin [[Romans 5:19]].
* **Obedience of Faith:** The scripture does not separate faith from obedience. The gospel is **made known** to all **nations** for the specific purpose of bringing about the "**obedience** of **faith**" [[Romans 16:26]]. This demonstrates that true **faith** `{{G4102}}` results in a life of submission.
* **Sanctifying Obedience:** Believers are described as being **elect** `{{G1588}}` unto **obedience** and the **sprinkling** of the **blood** of Jesus Christ [[1 Peter 1:2]]. This obedience is a continuous process of **purifying** the **soul** by **obeying** the **truth** [[1 Peter 1:22]] and working out salvation with **fear** `{{G5401}}` and **trembling** `{{G5156}}` [[Philippians 2:12]].
* **Obedience as Allegiance:** The act of obeying reveals one's master. A person demonstrates they are a **servant** `{{G1401}}` of God through **obedience** which leads to **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, as opposed to being a servant of **sin** which leads to **death** `{{G2288}}` [[Romans 6:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5218}}` **hypakoḗ** is a profound biblical concept that extends far beyond simple rule-following. It describes a submission rooted in attentive listening to God's truth. This obedience is perfectly modeled by Christ, is the active expression of a believer's faith, and is the ongoing evidence of sanctification. It defines the core relationship between a believer and God, contrasting the life-giving path of righteousness with the death that results from disobedience.
TRV