### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G5237}}` (hypereídō) is a compound verb derived from ὑπέρ (hyper), meaning "over" or "beyond," and εἴδω (eidō), meaning "to see" or "to perceive." Literally, it conveys the idea of "to see over" or "to look past." In its figurative and more common usage, as indicated by its base definition, it means "to overlook," specifically in the sense of disregarding, paying no attention to, or passing over without notice, particularly in the context of offenses or ignorance. The nuance is not one of blindness or inability to see, but rather a deliberate choice to *not* take action, to *not* punish, or to *not* hold to strict account. The English idiom "to wink at" captures this sense of intentional non-intervention or forbearance. It implies a conscious decision to tolerate or allow something to continue without immediate consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G5237}}` appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 17:30]]: "The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent."
This verse is part of Paul's sermon on Mars Hill in Athens. Addressing a highly educated and philosophically diverse audience, Paul confronts their polytheism and idolatry. He characterizes their previous religious practices and lack of knowledge concerning the one true God as "ignorance." The phrase "God overlooked" (τοὺς μὲν οὖν χρόνους τῆς ἀγνοίας ὑπεριδὼν ὁ θεός) signifies that, in His divine patience and forbearance, God chose not to immediately or fully punish humanity for their idolatry and spiritual blindness during the preceding ages. This "overlooking" does not imply divine approval of their ignorance or sin, but rather a period of divine restraint and long-suffering, allowing humanity to exist and His redemptive plan to unfold. The verse highlights a crucial theological turning point: the era of "ignorance" and God's "overlooking" has passed, giving way to a new era of explicit divine command and universal accountability, inaugurated by the resurrection of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{G5237}}` is enhanced by examining related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* `{{G463}}` (anochē): This noun means "forbearance" or "tolerance." It is used in [[Romans 3:26]] to describe God's "forbearance" (or "patience") in passing over former sins before the cross, a concept closely aligned with the "overlooking" of `{{G5237}}`.
* `{{G3115}}` (makrothymia): Meaning "long-suffering" or "patience," this term frequently describes God's attribute of enduring offenses and delaying judgment, giving opportunity for repentance ([[Romans 2:4]], [[2 Peter 3:9]]). This divine patience is the underlying characteristic that enables God to "overlook" in the sense of `{{G5237}}`.
* `{{G3929}}` (parerchomai): While often meaning "to pass by" in a literal sense, it can also convey the idea of passing over or disregarding something. However, `{{G5237}}` specifically carries the connotation of a deliberate, non-punitive oversight.
* `{{G863}}` (aphiēmi): This verb means "to send away," "to forgive," or "to pardon." While `{{G5237}}` describes God's decision *not to punish* for past ignorance, `{{G863}}` describes the act of *pardoning* sin through Christ's atoning work. The period of "overlooking" sets the stage for the possibility of full forgiveness.
Theologically, `{{G5237}}` is intrinsically linked to concepts of divine grace, patience, and the historical progression of God's redemptive plan. It speaks to the preparatory nature of the "times of ignorance" before the full revelation of Christ and the universal call to repentance.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{G5237}}` in [[Acts 17:30]] carries profound theological weight, revealing several key aspects of God's character and redemptive history:
* **Divine Forbearance and Patience:** The word underscores God's immense patience and long-suffering. He did not immediately unleash His wrath upon humanity for their widespread ignorance and idolatry. This "overlooking" was not a sign of indifference or approval of sin, but a deliberate act of divine restraint, providing the necessary time and space for humanity to exist and for His sovereign plan of salvation to unfold. It highlights the foundational truth that God's nature is characterized by grace, even before the full revelation of Christ.
* **Theological Turning Point:** The use of `{{G5237}}` marks a pivotal moment in salvation history. Paul explicitly contrasts the "times of this ignorance," which God "overlooked," with the present "now" (νῦν) when God "commands all men everywhere to repent." This signifies the end of an era characterized by a more indirect revelation and a degree of divine "tolerance" for human spiritual blindness. The resurrection of Christ has ushered in a new era of explicit divine command, universal accountability, and the urgency of repentance, as the standard for humanity has been definitively revealed.
* **Grace and Judgment Intertwined:** While `{{G5237}}` emphasizes God's grace in delaying judgment, it simultaneously sets the stage for the necessity of repentance and the reality of future judgment. The "overlooking" was a temporary measure of grace, not a permanent dismissal of sin. God's patience always serves a purpose, leading humanity towards a point of decision and accountability. The call to repent is a direct consequence of God's past forbearance and the new revelation in Christ, implying that continued "ignorance" or unrepentance will no longer be "overlooked."
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G5237}}` (hypereídō), meaning "to overlook" or "to wink at," uniquely appears in [[Acts 17:30]]. It describes God's divine forbearance during the "times of ignorance," a historical period when He chose not to immediately punish humanity for their pervasive idolatry and lack of true knowledge concerning Him. This act of "overlooking" was not an endorsement of sin but a profound demonstration of God's patience and long-suffering (`{{G3115}}`, `{{G463}}`). Within the context of Paul's sermon on Mars Hill, `{{G5237}}` highlights a crucial theological transition: the era of God's passive "overlooking" has concluded. It is now superseded by a universal and urgent command for all humanity to repent, a command grounded in the definitive revelation of Christ and His resurrection, which assures a coming judgment. Thus, `{{G5237}}` powerfully articulates both God's gracious character in the past and the heightened demand for a response of faith and repentance in the present age.
TRV