### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὑπάντησις (hypántēsis) `{{G5222}}` is derived from the verb ὑπαντάω (hypantáō) `{{G5221}}`, which means "to go to meet," "to meet face to face," or "to come against." Consequently, hypántēsis signifies the act of "meeting," "encounter," or "coming together." A key nuance of this term is the implication of purposeful movement towards someone or something, rather than a chance or accidental encounter. The base definition "in order to fall in with" underscores this intentionality. While the root verb can imply hostile confrontation, in the New Testament, hypántēsis is consistently used to denote a welcoming or anticipated reception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ὑπάντησις (hypántēsis) `{{G5222}}` appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each instance carries significant contextual weight:
* **[[Matthew 25:1]]:** In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the virgins go out "to meet" (εἰς ὑπάντησιν) the bridegroom. This is a deliberate, expectant movement, emphasizing the need for readiness and active anticipation for a significant, pre-announced event.
* **[[Matthew 25:6]]:** The cry echoes, "Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him" (ἐξέρχεσθε εἰς ὑπάντησιν αὐτοῦ). This reiterates the active posture of going forth to greet, underscoring the urgency and importance of being prepared for the bridegroom's arrival.
* **[[John 12:13]]:** During Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowd takes palm branches and goes out "to meet" (εἰς ὑπάντησιν) Him, shouting "Hosanna!" Here, hypántēsis describes a public, joyous, and honorific reception, signifying recognition and acclamation for Jesus as the Messiah.
* **[[Acts 28:15]]:** As Paul approaches Rome, the brothers from Rome come out "to meet" (εἰς ὑπάντησιν) him as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. This demonstrates a gesture of solidarity, welcome, and support from the Christian community, providing encouragement to the apostle.
In each instance, hypántēsis describes an intentional movement towards another person or group, typically for the purpose of welcome, honor, or anticipated union, rather than a passive waiting.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὑπαντάω (hypantáō) `{{G5221}}`:** The verb from which hypántēsis is directly derived. It means "to go to meet" and highlights the active, often purposeful nature of the noun.
* **συναντάω (synantáō) `{{G4876}}`:** Meaning "to meet with" or "to encounter," this verb can imply a more casual or unexpected meeting, in contrast to the often deliberate "going forth" suggested by hypántēsis and hypantáō.
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`:** The general verb "to come" or "to go," often providing the broader context for the specific act of "going out to meet" described by hypántēsis.
* **ἀπάντησις (apántēsis) `{{G529}}`:** This word also means "a meeting" or "encounter" and is famously used in [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]] concerning believers being "caught up...to meet the Lord in the air." While the etymological distinction between hypántēsis and apántēsis is subtle and debated among scholars (some suggest apántēsis implies a return journey *with* the one met), in Koine Greek, they are often used with similar semantic range, both conveying an active movement towards an anticipated encounter.
### Theological Significance
The concept embedded in hypántēsis carries profound theological implications, particularly concerning human readiness and divine encounter.
* **Anticipation of Christ's Return:** The usage in Matthew's parables (especially the Ten Virgins) metaphorically portrays the "meeting" of the bridegroom as a vivid image of the Second Coming of Christ. This underscores the eschatological imperative for believers to be prepared, watchful, and actively anticipating the Lord's return. It is not a passive expectation but an active "going out" to meet Him, equipped with spiritual readiness.
* **Active Faith and Welcome:** The instances in John and Acts illustrate hypántēsis as an act of welcome, honor, and solidarity. The crowds going out to meet Jesus, and the Roman brothers meeting Paul, exemplify a vibrant, responsive faith that extends itself to greet and affirm God's messengers and, by extension, God Himself. This active engagement reflects a dynamic and relational posture towards the divine.
* **Covenantal Encounter:** More broadly, hypántēsis resonates with the overarching biblical theme of encounter between God and humanity. From the initial encounters in Genesis to the giving of the Law at Sinai, and ultimately the Incarnation, God continually "comes to meet" His people, and they are called to "go out to meet" Him in worship, obedience, and faith. This word emphasizes the dynamic, reciprocal nature of the divine-human interaction, where both parties move towards a significant convergence.
* **Corporate Responsibility:** The communal nature of the hypántēsis in the New Testament (the virgins, the crowds, the brothers) highlights the corporate responsibility of the Church to collectively prepare for and welcome the Lord.
### Summary
ὑπάντησις (hypántēsis) `{{G5222}}` denotes a purposeful "meeting" or "encounter," characterized by an active going forth to greet or receive. Derived from ὑπαντάω (hypantáō) `{{G5221}}`, its New Testament occurrences in [[Matthew 25:1]], [[Matthew 25:6]], [[John 12:13]], and [[Acts 28:15]] consistently portray an intentional movement towards another, whether for welcome, honor, or anticipated union. Theologically, hypántēsis underscores the imperative for believers to be prepared and actively engaged in their relationship with God, anticipating His presence and responding with joyful reception. It speaks to the dynamic nature of divine-human encounter, where both parties move towards a significant convergence, particularly highlighting the Church's readiness for the return of Christ.
TRV