### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hýpandros**, represented by `{{G5220}}`, defines the status of a woman who is **in subjection under a man, i.e. a married woman**. Its extreme rarity, appearing only **1 times** in **1 unique verses**, highlights its specific use as a legal and relational descriptor. The term is built from the words ὑπό (under) and ἀνήρ (man), directly conveying the concept of being under a husband's authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{G5220}}` is in [[Romans 7:2]], where it serves as a precise legal illustration. The verse states that "the woman which hath an husband `{{G5220}}` is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth". This establishes a direct link between marriage, a binding law, and the condition of life. The principle is immediately contrasted with the result of death, where if the husband is dead, the woman "is loosed from the law of her husband" [[Romans 7:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its sole context clarify its meaning:
* `{{G1135}}` **gynḗ** (a woman; specially, a wife): This word identifies the subject of the legal principle in [[Romans 7:2]]. It is used broadly for both a **woman** in general [[Luke 7:50]] and specifically as a **wife** [[Ephesians 5:25]].
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (to bind): This verb describes the legal connection of the married woman to her husband. It carries the figurative sense of a binding obligation, similar to its use regarding spiritual authority where what is **bound** on earth is **bound** in heaven [[Matthew 16:19]].
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This is the framework that enforces the bond. It can refer to the law of Moses, but is also used figuratively for a governing principle, such as "the **law** of sin and death" [[Romans 8:2]] or "the **law** of Christ" [[Galatians 6:2]].
* `{{G2673}}` **katargéō** (to be (render) entirely idle (useless)...abolish, cease...loose): This is the result of the husband's death, signifying release. The word denotes a complete nullification, as in Christ having **abolished** death [[2 Timothy 1:10]] or being **delivered** from the law [[Romans 7:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5220}}` is derived entirely from its role as an analogy.
* **A Legal Analogy:** The primary theological function of `{{G5220}}` is to provide a clear, human-level analogy for a complex spiritual truth. The fixed legal state of a married woman illustrates how a person can be bound to a law, such as the law of Moses [[Romans 7:2]].
* **Freedom Through Death:** The use of `{{G5220}}` is inseparable from the concept that death ends a legal obligation. The death of the husband looses `{{G2673}}` the wife from the law. This directly parallels how believers are "delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held" [[Romans 7:6]].
* **Conditionality of a Bond:** The word underscores that a legal bond can be conditional. The woman is bound to her husband only as long as he **liveth** `{{G2198}}`. This highlights that the binding power of the old law is not eternal but is superseded by the new reality brought about by death and resurrection.
### Summary
In summary, **hýpandros** `{{G5220}}` is a highly specific term whose significance comes from its singular, illustrative use. While it simply means "a married woman," its role in [[Romans 7:2]] is to be the cornerstone of an analogy explaining the relationship between law, life, and death. It demonstrates how a binding legal state is nullified by death, providing a tangible picture for the believer's release from the law of sin and death through Christ. The word is a powerful example of how scripture uses a common human relationship to explain a profound theological shift.
TRV