from ὑπέρ and ἔχω; to hold oneself above, i.e. (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority:--better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hyperéchō**, represented by `{{G5242}}`, is formed from `ὑπέρ` and `ἔχω` and literally means to hold oneself above. Figuratively, it denotes excelling or being superior. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible and is translated with terms like **better**, **excellency**, **higher**, **pass**, and **supreme**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5242}}` is used to describe superiority in various contexts. It refers to the **peace** `{{G1515}}` of God that **passeth** all human **understanding** `{{G3563}}`, guarding the hearts `{{G2588}}` and minds `{{G3540}}` of believers [[Philippians 4:7]]. It is also used to command a posture of humility, where believers are to **esteem** `{{G2233}}` other `{{G240}}` as **better than** themselves [[Philippians 2:3]]. The word describes the supreme value or **excellency** of the **knowledge** `{{G1108}}` of Christ Jesus, for which all other things are counted as **loss** `{{G2209}}` [[Philippians 3:8]]. Finally, it denotes authority, referring to the **higher** powers `{{G1849}}` to which every **soul** `{{G5590}}` should be subject [[Romans 13:1]] and the **king** `{{G935}}` as **supreme** [[1 Peter 2:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of superiority and submission:
* `{{G5293}}` **hypotássō** (to subordinate): This word is the direct counterpart to holding a higher position. Believers are called to **be subject** `{{G5293}}` to the **higher** `{{G5242}}` powers [[Romans 13:1]] and to **submit yourselves** `{{G5293}}` to every human **ordinance** `{{G2937}}`, such as the king who is **supreme** `{{G5242}}` [[1 Peter 2:13]].
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority): This term defines the **power** or delegated influence held by those in a **higher** `{{G5242}}` position. The governing authorities are described as **higher powers** `{{G5242}}` `{{G1849}}` ordained by God [[Romans 13:1]].
* `{{G2233}}` **hēgéomai** (to deem, consider): This verb describes the mental act of recognizing superiority. Believers are to **esteem** `{{G2233}}` others as **better than** `{{G5242}}` themselves [[Philippians 2:3]], and Paul **counts** `{{G2233}}` all things as loss for the **excellency** `{{G5242}}` of knowing Christ [[Philippians 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5242}}` is significant, highlighting principles of authority, value, and divine nature.
* **Ordained Authority:** The term establishes a framework for submission to governing bodies. Believers are instructed to **be subject** `{{G5293}}` to the **higher** `{{G5242}}` **powers** `{{G1849}}` because they are **ordained** `{{G5021}}` by **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Romans 13:1]]. This applies to every human **ordinance** `{{G2937}}`, with the king being recognized as **supreme** `{{G5242}}` [[1 Peter 2:13]].
* **The Surpassing Worth of Christ:** `{{G5242}}` is used to express the ultimate value of knowing **Christ** `{{G5547}}` **Jesus** `{{G2424}}`. Paul considers the **excellency** `{{G5242}}` of this **knowledge** `{{G1108}}` so profound that he counts all other things as **loss** `{{G2209}}` and **dung** `{{G4657}}` in comparison [[Philippians 3:8]].
* **Humility in Relationships:** The word provides a key ethic for the Christian community. Instead of acting from **strife** `{{G2052}}` or **vainglory** `{{G2754}}`, believers are to, in **lowliness of mind** `{{G5012}}`, esteem each other as **better than** `{{G5242}}` themselves [[Philippians 2:3]].
* **Divine Transcendence:** The concept is used to describe the nature of God's **peace** `{{G1515}}`. The **peace of God** **passeth** `{{G5242}}` all human **understanding** `{{G3563}}`, demonstrating a quality that is superior to and beyond human capacity [[Philippians 4:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5242}}` communicates a consistent theme of superiority and excellence. While appearing only 5 times, it is used to define foundational Christian concepts: the transcendent **peace** of God, the supreme worth of knowing Christ, the divinely ordained structure of human authority, and the humble posture believers should have toward one another. The word **hyperéchō** thus provides a framework for understanding value and authority, shaping our view of God, government, and community.
TRV