### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G5221 (ὑπαντάω, *hypantáō*) is a compound word derived from the preposition ὑπό (hypo), meaning "under" or "from below," and a derivative of ἀντί (anti), meaning "opposite" or "against." The base definition, "to go opposite (meet) under (quietly), i.e., to encounter, fall in with," points to its primary meaning: "to meet." The nuance conveyed by ὑπό often suggests an active movement *towards* someone who is approaching, or coming *up to* meet them, rather than a passive encounter. It implies an intentional or significant coming together, often with an element of anticipation or initiative from one or both parties. While the "under/quietly" aspect of ὑπό can sometimes imply a less formal or unannounced meeting, in most biblical contexts, it simply reinforces the active nature of the "meeting," distinguishing it from merely being in the same place. Its semantic range includes "to encounter," "to go to meet," or "to fall in with."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G5221 appears 10 times in the New Testament, consistently conveying the sense of an active encounter or going forth to meet.
1. **Anticipatory Meeting:** In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the virgins "went forth to meet" (ὑπαντάω) the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1, 6). This highlights a posture of active anticipation and preparedness for a significant arrival. The readiness of the wise virgins contrasts sharply with the unreadiness of the foolish, emphasizing the importance of diligence in expectation.
2. **Divine Encounter:**
* After the resurrection, Jesus "met" (ὑπαντάω) the women returning from the tomb (Matthew 28:9). This is a direct, personal encounter initiated by the risen Christ, bringing comfort and confirmation.
* The demon-possessed man in the Gerasenes "met" (ὑπαντάω) Jesus immediately upon His arrival (Mark 5:2; Luke 8:27). These are confrontational yet ultimately redemptive encounters, showcasing Christ's authority over demonic forces.
* In the narrative of Lazarus's resurrection, Martha "went and met" (ὑπαντάω) Jesus as soon as she heard He was coming, expressing both her grief and her faith (John 11:20, 30). This demonstrates a proactive move towards the Lord in a moment of crisis.
* A large crowd "met" (ὑπαντάω) Jesus as He approached Jerusalem, following the raising of Lazarus, bearing witness and acclaiming Him (John 12:18). This signifies a public reception and recognition of His miraculous power.
3. **Ordinary Encounters:**
* A nobleman's servants "met" (ὑπαντάω) him to report that his son was alive (John 4:51). This is a practical, informative meeting.
* In the Parable of the King Going to War, the king considers whether he is able to "go to meet" (ὑπαντάω) his enemy (Luke 14:31). Here, the word signifies a strategic, potentially confrontational encounter.
Across these contexts, G5221 consistently denotes a dynamic and often intentional movement towards another party, whether for welcome, confrontation, or significant interaction.
### Related Words & Concepts
G5221 (ὑπαντάω, *hypantáō*) shares significant semantic overlap with other Greek verbs of meeting, particularly G522 (ἀπαντάω, *apantáō*) and G4876 (συναντάω, *synantáō*). All three can be translated as "to meet."
* **G522 (ἀπαντάω, *apantáō*):** This verb, derived from ἀπό (apo, "from") and ἀντί (anti, "opposite"), also means "to meet" or "to go to meet." In many contexts, ὑπαντάω and ἀπαντάω are used interchangeably in the Septuagint and New Testament. Some scholars suggest ὑπαντάω might emphasize the initiative of the one going forth, while ἀπαντάω might imply a more general encounter or a meeting *from* a starting point *to* the other. However, the distinction is often subtle and context-dependent. For instance, ἀπαντάω is used in Acts 16:16 for a chance meeting.
* **G4876 (συναντάω, *synantáō*):** This verb, from σύν (syn, "with") and ἀντί (anti, "opposite"), means "to meet with" or "to encounter." It emphasizes the "togetherness" of the meeting. It can describe both intentional and unintentional encounters. For example, in Luke 9:37, a crowd met Jesus, and in Acts 20:22, Paul goes to Jerusalem, not knowing what will "meet" him there.
* **Root Concepts:** The core concept across these words is "encounter" or "confrontation" (from ἀντί). The prefixes (ὑπό, ἀπό, σύν) add nuances of direction, initiative, or relational dynamics to the meeting.
* **Associated Concepts:** Welcome, reception, confrontation, anticipation, interception, and preparedness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5221 (ὑπαντάω, *hypantáō*) is profound, particularly in its application to encounters with Christ and the expectation of His return.
1. **The Nature of Divine Encounter:** Many instances of ὑπαντάω describe people meeting Jesus. These are not coincidental but often divinely orchestrated or deeply significant encounters. Whether it's the women meeting the risen Lord (Matthew 28:9), the demoniac meeting his deliverer (Mark 5:2; Luke 8:27), or Martha meeting her Lord in grief and faith (John 11:20), these meetings are transformative. They underscore Christ's active presence, His accessibility, and His power to intervene in human lives. The fact that Jesus often "meets" people highlights His initiative in salvation and revelation.
2. **Anticipation and Preparedness for Christ's Return:** The most prominent theological usage of ὑπαντάω is found in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1, 6), where the virgins "go forth to meet the bridegroom." This parable is a powerful allegory for the Second Coming of Christ. The act of "going to meet" signifies not passive waiting, but active readiness, vigilance, and spiritual preparedness for the Lord's return. It calls believers to live in a state of constant expectation, with their "lamps trimmed" and "oil" (representing spiritual readiness and good works) in supply. This readiness is not merely intellectual assent but involves practical, obedient living.
3. **Human Response to God's Presence:** The various contexts in which ὑπαντάω is used illustrate diverse human responses to divine presence. From the awe and worship of the women at the tomb, to the fear and eventual transformation of the demoniacs, to the faith of Martha, and the acclamation of the crowds, the word encapsulates the spectrum of human interaction with the divine. It emphasizes that a meeting with Christ always demands a response.
### Summary
G5221 (ὑπαντάω, *hypantáō*) is a Greek verb meaning "to go to meet" or "to encounter," emphasizing an active and often intentional movement towards another. Its etymology, combining ὑπό (under/from below) and ἀντί (opposite), underscores the dynamic nature of the meeting. In the New Testament, ὑπαντάω is consistently used to describe significant encounters, ranging from ordinary greetings and strategic confrontations to profound divine-human interactions. Theologically, its most striking application is found in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where "going forth to meet the bridegroom" serves as a powerful metaphor for the church's active anticipation and preparedness for the Second Coming of Christ. Furthermore, its use in describing various encounters with Jesus highlights His accessibility, His initiative in meeting humanity, and the transformative impact of such divine encounters, calling for a responsive faith.
TRV