from ὑπό and ἄρχομαι; to begin under (quietly), i.e. come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, participle, adverb or preposition, or as an auxiliary to a principal (verb):--after, behave, live.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hypárchō**, represented by `{{G5225}}`, signifies **to exist**, often implying a state of being that is already established or has come into existence. It appears **49 times** across **47 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can function simply as the verb "to be," it frequently carries a deeper sense of a settled condition, an inherent quality, or a pre-existing reality upon which a subsequent action or truth is based.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5225}}` is used to establish foundational truths about God, humanity, and circumstance. It is used to describe the pre-existent nature of Christ, who was "**being** in the form of God" before his incarnation [[Philippians 2:6]]. Paul uses it to declare God's absolute sovereignty, stating that He "**is** Lord of heaven and earth" [[Acts 17:24]]. The term also defines inherent human states, such as when Jesus describes people as "**being** evil" in contrast to the goodness of God [[Luke 11:13]]. Furthermore, it is used to denote the reality of one's possessions or status, as when Peter states, "Silver and gold **have** I none" [[Acts 3:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the concept of existence and being:
* `{{G1511}}` **eînai** (to exist): This is the simple infinitive "to be." It is used alongside `{{G5225}}` in [[Philippians 2:6]] to discuss Christ's nature, where he existed in the form of God yet did not consider it robbery **to be** equal with God.
* `{{G18}}` **agathós** (good): This adjective describes an intrinsic quality. It is used with `{{G5225}}` in [[Luke 23:50]], where Joseph is described as "**a good** man, and a just," establishing his fundamental character.
* `{{G1085}}` **génos** (offspring): This word denotes origin and kinship. In [[Acts 17:29]], it is used with `{{G5225}}` to state that "we **are** the **offspring** of God," defining humanity's foundational relationship to the Creator.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5225}}` is significant, often establishing the basis for crucial doctrines.
* **The Pre-existence of Christ:** Its use in [[Philippians 2:6]] is vital to Christology. "**being** in the form of God" denotes Christ's essential and subsisting nature from eternity, not a state he merely entered into.
* **Inherent Divine and Human Nature:** The word describes the foundational state of beings. God "**is** Lord" [[Acts 17:24]], which is His unchanging reality. In contrast, humanity is described as "**being** evil" [[Luke 11:13]] or as God's "**offspring**" [[Acts 17:29]], defining our natural condition and origin.
* **Establishing Foundational States:** `{{G5225}}` sets a baseline condition from which an argument proceeds. Stephen, "**being** full of the Holy Ghost," saw the glory of God [[Acts 7:55]]. Because Paul was a Roman, his beating was unjust [[Acts 16:37]]. The Pharisees, **who were** covetous, derided Jesus' teachings on wealth [[Luke 16:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5225}}` is a multifaceted word that does more than simply state existence. It often points to a pre-existing state, an intrinsic quality, or a foundational reality. From defining the circumstances of an individual, such as Jairus **being** a ruler of the synagogue [[Luke 8:41]], to articulating the eternal nature of Jesus Christ [[Philippians 2:6]], **hypárchō** serves to ground biblical statements in a state of being that is settled and true.
TRV