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 verb G5242 (hyperéchō), derived from the preposition ὑπέρ (hyper, "over, above") and the verb ἔχω (echō, "to have, to hold"), literally signifies "to hold oneself above" or "to have over." This foundational meaning extends figuratively to denote superiority, preeminence, or excellence. As a participle, it functions adjectivally or substantively to describe that which is "superior," "supreme," or "surpassing." Its semantic range in the New Testament encompasses concepts of being better, possessing excellency, being higher, passing beyond a certain measure, and holding a position of supremacy. The word inherently carries a sense of elevated status, quality, or power, whether in a hierarchical, qualitative, or experiential sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G5242 appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[Romans 13:1]]**: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." Here, hyperéchō is used in the phrase "governing authorities" (ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις), referring to those who hold a superior or supreme position in civil government. Paul emphasizes the divine ordination of such authority, demanding submission from believers.
* **[[Philippians 2:3]]**: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." In this ethical exhortation, hyperéchō (ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν) describes the attitude Christians should adopt towards one another: considering others as superior to themselves. This usage highlights the radical humility central to Christian discipleship, contrasting sharply with worldly ambition.
* **[[Philippians 3:8]]**: "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." Paul employs hyperéchō (τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως) to underscore the immeasurable, "surpassing worth" or "supreme excellence" of knowing Christ Jesus. This demonstrates the qualitative superiority of a relationship with Christ over all other human achievements or gains.
* **[[Philippians 4:7]]**: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Here, hyperéchō (ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πᾶσαν νοῦν) describes the divine peace as "surpassing all understanding." This signifies that God's peace transcends human comprehension, logic, or ability to produce, being of a qualitatively higher order.
* **[[1 Peter 2:13]]**: "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the emperor as supreme." Similar to [[Romans 13:1]], hyperéchō (ὡς ὑπερέχοντι) is used to describe the emperor as "supreme" or "preeminent" among human rulers. Peter, like Paul, calls for submission to legitimate civil authority for the Lord's sake.
Across these contexts, G5242 consistently points to a state or quality of being "above" or "beyond" in terms of authority, value, or nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of superiority or excellence conveyed by G5242 relates to several other Greek terms and theological concepts.
* **`{{G4005}}` (perisseuō)**: "to abound, to be in excess, to excel." While perisseuō often denotes abundance, it can also carry the sense of excelling or surpassing, as seen in [[2 Corinthians 8:7]] regarding abounding in faith and love.
* **`{{G4052}}` (perissoteros)**: "more abundant, excellent." This comparative form often emphasizes a greater degree of something, aligning with the "surpassing" aspect of G5242.
* **`{{G4186}}` (polys)**: "much, many, great." While a general term, polys can denote a large quantity or significance that might imply a form of superiority or prominence.
* **`{{G2904}}` (krateō)**: "to be strong, to rule, to prevail." This word speaks more directly to power and dominion, which is a component of "superiority" in the sense of authority.
* **`{{G5228}}` (hyper)**: The preposition itself, meaning "over, above, beyond," is the root of the verb and fundamentally shapes its meaning, indicating a position of advantage or transcendence.
Theologically, G5242 intersects with concepts such as divine sovereignty, Christ's preeminence, the transcendent nature of God's attributes (e.g., peace), and the counter-cultural call to Christian humility. It contrasts with ideas of self-exaltation, worldly ambition, and human limitation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5242 is profound and multi-faceted:
1. **Divine Ordination of Authority**: The use of hyperéchō in relation to "governing authorities" ([[Romans 13:1]], [[1 Peter 2:13]]) underscores the biblical teaching that civil authority, even in its secular manifestation, is ultimately established and permitted by God. This calls believers to respect and submit to these "superior" powers, recognizing their role in maintaining order, even while acknowledging God's ultimate supremacy.
2. **Christ's Supreme Worth**: Paul's declaration in [[Philippians 3:8]] that the knowledge of Christ Jesus is of "surpassing worth" elevates Christ to the ultimate object of human pursuit and value. This highlights Christology, asserting Christ's absolute preeminence over all earthly gains, achievements, or religious merits. It calls believers to re-evaluate their priorities in light of Christ's unparalleled excellence.
3. **The Transcendent Nature of God's Peace**: The description of God's peace as "surpassing all understanding" ([[Philippians 4:7]]) speaks to the divine attribute of transcendence. God's peace is not merely a psychological state or the absence of conflict; it is a supernatural gift that operates on a level beyond human comprehension or control, safeguarding the hearts and minds of believers. This points to the mysterious and powerful working of God in the lives of His people.
4. **The Ethic of Christian Humility**: The exhortation to "esteem others better than himself" ([[Philippians 2:3]]) provides a radical ethical imperative. In a world driven by competition and self-promotion, this command to consider others as hyperéchō (superior) is a cornerstone of Christian humility, mirroring Christ's own self-emptying (kenosis) and fostering genuine community.
In essence, hyperéchō serves to highlight what is truly superior in the divine economy: God-ordained authority, the person and knowledge of Christ, and the supernatural gifts of God, all of which demand a posture of humility and submission from believers.
### Summary
The Greek word G5242 (hyperéchō) fundamentally means "to hold oneself above," extending to concepts of excelling, being superior, or surpassing. In the New Testament, it is employed to describe:
1. The **divine establishment of civil authority** (the "governing authorities" in [[Romans 13:1]] and the "supreme" emperor in [[1 Peter 2:13]]), demanding Christian submission.
2. The **radical call to Christian humility**, where believers are to esteem others as "better than" themselves ([[Philippians 2:3]]).
3. The **unparalleled worth of knowing Christ Jesus**, which "surpasses" all other human achievements and gains ([[Philippians 3:8]]).
4. The **supernatural quality of God's peace**, which "surpasses all understanding" ([[Philippians 4:7]]).
Through these uses, hyperéchō consistently points to that which is elevated, preeminent, or transcendent, whether in terms of power, value, or nature. It underscores key theological truths concerning God's sovereignty, Christ's centrality, the divine origin of peace, and the counter-cultural ethic of humility, providing a rich understanding of what truly holds ultimate superiority in the Christian worldview.
TRV