### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G5254}}` (hypéchō) is a compound word formed from the preposition `{{G5259}}` (hypó), meaning "under," and the verb `{{G2192}}` (échō), meaning "to have" or "to hold." Literally, therefore, it signifies "to hold oneself under" or "to hold oneself subject to." This etymological root profoundly shapes its semantic range, which extends to "to endure," "to suffer," and "to submit with patience." The nuance of an intentional posture—one of holding oneself *under* a burden or circumstance—is crucial. Unlike a passive experience of suffering, `{{G5254}}` suggests a volitional embrace of the hardship, an active posture of patient endurance rather than mere passive reception. While rare in the New Testament, its specific composition highlights a particular mode of encountering adversity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G5254}}` (hypéchō) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 21:10]]. The context is highly significant. The prophet Agabus, demonstrating through symbolic action, takes Paul’s belt and declares, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’" The word translated "will bind" in this verse is related to the suffering Paul is about to "suffer" (hypéchō). The full quote in some translations uses `{{G5254}}` specifically for "suffer": "Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles to *suffer* [hypéchō] these things’" (cf. NASB, ESV).
This singular occurrence is powerful. Agabus's prophecy directly confronts Paul with the imminent suffering he will endure in Jerusalem. The use of `{{G5254}}` here implies not merely that Paul will experience suffering, but that he will *hold himself under* it, embracing or submitting to the hardship as part of his divine calling. This aligns perfectly with Paul's consistent testimony of his willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and Christ (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 11:23-28]], [[Philippians 3:10]]). The verb underscores the idea of a divinely appointed suffering to which Paul, by faith, willingly yields.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G5254}}` (hypéchō) shares semantic territory with several other Greek words related to endurance and suffering, yet maintains its unique nuance.
* `{{G5278}}` (hupomenō): This verb, also derived from `{{G5259}}` (hypó) and `{{G3306}}` (menō - to remain), means "to remain under," "to endure," or "to persevere." It is very close in meaning and often translated as "to endure patiently." While hupomenō emphasizes remaining steadfast *under* a trial, hypéchō specifically highlights the act of *holding oneself* under it, implying a more active posture of acceptance.
* `{{G5281}}` (hupomonē): The noun form of hupomenō, meaning "patience," "endurance," or "perseverance." It describes the quality of steadfastness in the face of adversity.
* `{{G3958}}` (paschō): A more general verb for "to suffer," "to experience," or "to undergo." It can refer to both positive and negative experiences, but most often denotes suffering or hardship. While paschō simply indicates the experience of suffering, hypéchō adds the dimension of the subject's posture toward that suffering.
* `{{G4356}}` (proskartereō): Means "to persevere," "to continue steadfastly," or "to be devoted to." This word emphasizes persistent adherence to a course of action or devotion, often in the face of opposition.
The distinctiveness of `{{G5254}}` lies in its emphasis on the subject's internal disposition: to actively "hold oneself under" a circumstance, suggesting a conscious decision to endure with patience rather than merely being subjected to an external force.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, `{{G5254}}` (hypéchō) carries profound theological weight, especially within the narrative of Christian discipleship and suffering. In [[Acts 21:10]], it foreshadows Paul's arrest and subsequent trials, painting him as one who does not merely suffer passively but who *holds himself under* the divine will, embracing the suffering as an integral part of his mission. This resonates deeply with the broader biblical theology of suffering.
1. **Identification with Christ:** The concept of "holding oneself under" suffering aligns with the call for believers to take up their cross and follow Christ ([[Matthew 16:24]], [[Mark 8:34]], [[Luke 9:23]]). Just as Christ willingly submitted to the suffering of the cross for the sake of redemption, so too are His followers called to patient endurance for the sake of the Gospel.
2. **Purposeful Suffering:** Paul's suffering was not arbitrary but purposeful, contributing to the advancement of the Gospel ([[Philippians 1:12]]). The use of `{{G5254}}` suggests a divine ordination to which Paul assents, reflecting a theology where God is sovereign even over the trials of His servants.
3. **Spiritual Maturation:** Patient endurance in suffering is consistently presented in Scripture as a pathway to spiritual maturity and character development ([[Romans 5:3-5]], [[James 1:2-4]]). The act of "holding oneself under" adversity, rather than resisting or succumbing in despair, fosters a deeper reliance on God and a more robust faith.
Thus, `{{G5254}}` encapsulates a crucial aspect of Christian discipleship: a reverent and active submission to the path of suffering when it is ordained by God, undertaken with patience and faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G5254}}` (hypéchō), derived from `{{G5259}}` (hypó, "under") and `{{G2192}}` (échō, "to hold"), fundamentally means "to hold oneself under," leading to the nuanced sense of "to endure with patience" or "to suffer." Its singular but significant appearance in [[Acts 21:10]] describes the suffering Paul is prophesied to undergo in Jerusalem, emphasizing his active posture of patient endurance and submission to God's will. This word highlights that Christian suffering is not always a passive experience but can involve a conscious, faithful decision to "hold oneself under" the trials that God permits. It underscores the theological themes of identification with Christ's suffering, the purposeful nature of adversity, and the pathway to spiritual growth through patient endurance.
TRV