from ὑπέρ and the base of ἀκμήν; beyond the "acme", i.e. figuratively (of a daughter) past the bloom (prime) of youth:--+ pass the flower of (her) age.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ὑπέρακμος (hypérakmos, `{{G5230}}`) is a compound adjective formed from the preposition ὑπέρ (hyper, `{{G5228}}`), meaning "over, above, beyond," and the root of ἀκμή (akmē), which signifies "a point, peak, prime, or bloom." Therefore, the literal meaning of ὑπέρακμος is "beyond the peak" or "past the prime." In its singular biblical usage, it is applied figuratively to a daughter, denoting that she has passed the "bloom" or "prime" of her youth, specifically in the context of her suitability for marriage. This does not necessarily imply advanced age, but rather a stage where the optimal period for marriage, based on societal norms of the time, has elapsed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὑπέρακμος appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[1 Corinthians 7:36]]: "But if any man thinks that he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let them marry."
In this passage, Paul is addressing a guardian (likely a father) who has a virgin daughter and is contemplating her marital status. The phrase "past the flower of her age" (ὑπέρακμος) refers to a situation where the daughter has moved beyond the customary or most advantageous age for marriage. This might be due to a long engagement, a personal decision to remain celibate for a time, or simply the passage of years. The context suggests that the guardian might feel a duty or societal pressure to arrange a marriage for her, especially if she is reaching an age where remaining unmarried could become difficult or socially disadvantageable. Paul's instruction provides clarity: if such circumstances exist and marriage is deemed necessary or desirable, it is not a sin for them to marry. This demonstrates Paul's pragmatic pastoral advice, acknowledging the realities of life and societal expectations while guiding believers in a way that avoids sin and promotes well-being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of ὑπέρακμος are ὑπέρ (hyper, `{{G5228}}`), which conveys the sense of "beyond" or "over," and the concept of ἀκμή (akmē), representing a "peak" or "prime." This highlights the idea of a threshold being crossed. The passage in [[1 Corinthians 7]] extensively discusses themes of marriage, celibacy, and virginity. Therefore, ὑπέρακμος is closely related to terms like παρθένος (parthenos, `{{G3928}}`), "virgin," which describes the status of the daughter in question. The broader discussion in [[1 Corinthians 7]] also involves concepts of γαμέω (gameō, `{{G1060}}`), "to marry," and the spiritual advantages of ἀγαμία (agamia), or celibacy, for undistracted devotion to the Lord ([[1 Corinthians 7:32-35]]). The word's context also touches upon societal norms concerning a woman's age and marriageability in the ancient world.
### Theological Significance
While ὑπέρακμος is a descriptive term of age, its theological significance is deeply embedded in its context within Paul's comprehensive teaching on marriage and celibacy in [[1 Corinthians 7]]. The allowance for marriage when a daughter is "past the flower of her age" ([[1 Corinthians 7:36]]) underscores several theological principles. Firstly, it reveals Paul's pastoral wisdom and flexibility. He does not impose an absolute prohibition on marriage, even when he advocates for celibacy as a higher calling for those who can embrace it ([[1 Corinthians 7:7-9]]). Instead, he recognizes practical realities and potential hardships, such as the social stigma or personal struggle that might arise from prolonged unmarried status.
Secondly, it affirms that marriage is a legitimate and sinless path, even if it is not the "better" path for everyone in all circumstances. Paul explicitly states, "he does not sin; let them marry." This demonstrates a balanced approach, prioritizing spiritual devotion while also providing grace and permission for choices that are wise and necessary given individual circumstances and societal pressures. The phrase implicitly acknowledges the natural progression of life and the appropriateness of marriage within certain seasons, emphasizing the prevention of temptation and the promotion of honorable living.
### Summary
ὑπέρακμος (hypérakmos, `{{G5230}}`) is a unique and contextually rich Greek term, appearing only once in [[1 Corinthians 7:36]]. Meaning "past the peak" or "beyond the bloom of youth," it describes a virgin daughter who has passed the optimal age for marriage according to the societal standards of the time. In its singular biblical occurrence, the word is crucial to understanding Paul's pastoral counsel, affirming that a guardian does not sin by arranging a marriage for such a daughter. This highlights Paul's pragmatic and compassionate approach to Christian living, balancing the spiritual ideal of undistracted devotion with the realities of human life, societal expectations, and the prevention of sin, ultimately upholding the goodness and legitimacy of marriage in its proper context.
TRV