### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G5255 (hypḗkoos) is derived from the verb ὑπακούω (hypakouō, `{{G5219}}`). Its root meaning is "attentively listening," combining ὑπό (hypo, "under") and ἀκούω (akouō, "to hear"). This etymology suggests not merely passive hearing, but a posture of listening "under" someone, implying an active and attentive heeding of what is spoken. By strong implication, this attentive listening leads to "submission" or "obedience." The word thus describes one who is compliant, submissive, and ready to act upon what is heard. It denotes a willing and responsive disposition to authority, stemming from an earnest reception of a command or instruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G5255 (hypḗkoos) appears in the New Testament in three significant passages, each underscoring its profound theological weight:
* **[[Romans 5:19]]**: "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Here, hypḗkoos is used in a nominalized form, referring to the "obedience" (τῆς ὑπακοῆς, a noun closely related to G5255 and `{{G5218}}`) of Christ. It stands in direct antithesis to Adam's "disobedience" (παρακοή, parakoē, `{{G3876}}`). This verse highlights the pivotal role of Christ's perfect submission in reversing the effects of humanity's fall. His obedient act, stemming from attentive listening to the Father's will, is the means by which righteousness is imputed to believers.
* **[[Philippians 2:8]]**: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." This is perhaps the most powerful use of hypḗkoos. It describes the ultimate extent of Christ's humility and submission to the Father's plan. His obedience was not merely a passive acceptance but an active, deliberate choice to fulfill the divine will, even to the point of suffering the ignominious death on a cross. This verse encapsulates the profound self-emptying (κένωσις, kenosis) of Christ, whose attentive listening to the Father led to the ultimate act of self-sacrifice.
* **[[2 Corinthians 10:6]]**: "And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." In this context, Paul speaks of the spiritual authority given to him for building up the church. The "obedience" (ὑπακοή, hypakoē, `{{G5218}}`) of the Corinthian believers refers to their readiness to submit to apostolic instruction and the divine truth. It implies a willingness to heed and comply with the commands of Christ, contrasting with any lingering "disobedience" (ἀπειθεία, apeitheia, `{{G543}}`). This verse suggests that the church's spiritual health and readiness for action are contingent upon its members' attentive and compliant listening to God's revealed will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G5255 (hypḗkoos) is rich and interconnected:
* **ὑπακούω (hypakouō, `{{G5219}}`)**: The verb from which hypḗkoos is derived, meaning "to listen under, to obey, to heed." This is the active process of hearing and responding.
* **ὑπακοή (hypakoē, `{{G5218}}`)**: The noun form, meaning "obedience" or "submission." This noun is frequently used to describe the act or state of obedience, often in contexts mirroring the meaning of hypḗkoos.
* **παρακοή (parakoē, `{{G3876}}`)**: The direct antonym, meaning "disobedience," literally "a hearing amiss" or "a hearing beside." It signifies a refusal to hear or a hearing that leads to non-compliance.
* **ἀπειθέω (apeitheō, `{{G543}}`) / ἀπείθεια (apeitheia, `{{G543}}`)**: Meaning "to disobey, be disobedient," or "disobedience." This emphasizes a refusal to be persuaded or to believe, leading to non-compliance.
* **Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosynē `{{G5012}}`)**: Obedience, particularly Christ's, is intrinsically linked to humility. One must humble oneself to truly listen and submit.
* **Faith (πίστις, pistis `{{G4102}}`)**: Obedience is often seen as the outward manifestation of inner faith. True faith expresses itself in a life of submission to God's will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5255 (hypḗkoos) is profound, particularly in its Christological and soteriological implications.
* **Christological Centrality**: The most striking application of hypḗkoos is to Jesus Christ. His perfect hypḗkoos—his attentive, humble, and complete obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His death on the cross ([[Philippians 2:8]])—is not merely an exemplary moral act but a salvific one. It demonstrates His divine humility and His unwavering commitment to the redemptive plan. Christ's obedience is the ultimate act of righteousness, setting Him apart from Adam and all humanity.
* **Soteriological Foundation**: Christ's hypḗkoos is the very basis of human salvation. As [[Romans 5:19]] declares, "by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." This highlights that righteousness is not achieved through human effort or law-keeping, but is imputed to believers solely through the perfect, vicarious obedience of Christ. His attentive listening and submission to the Father's will, even unto death, is the means by which humanity's broken relationship with God is restored.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers**: While hypḗkoos is primarily used of Christ, the concept of "attentive listening leading to submission" is a core ethical demand for believers. The church is called to a similar posture of hypakoē (`{{G5218}}`), demonstrating a readiness to submit to divine truth and apostolic authority ([[2 Corinthians 10:6]]). This implies a life characterized by active reception of God's word and willing compliance with His commands, reflecting the transformation wrought by Christ's own obedience. It underscores that genuine faith is active and results in a life of responsive submission to God.
### Summary
G5255 (hypḗkoos) signifies a state of being "attentively listening" that inherently leads to "submission" or "obedience." This term, though appearing infrequently in the New Testament, carries immense theological weight. Its primary and most powerful application is to Jesus Christ, whose perfect hypḗkoos—His humble, active, and complete obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([[Philippians 2:8]])—serves as the foundational act by which righteousness is secured for humanity ([[Romans 5:19]]). Christ's hypḗkoos provides the counterpoint to human disobedience, establishing the new covenant. For believers, while the adjective itself is not directly applied to their daily walk, the concept of hypakoē (`{{G5218}}`)—a life of responsive and willing submission to God's will and truth—remains a vital characteristic of genuine discipleship ([[2 Corinthians 10:6]]). Thus, hypḗkoos encapsulates a profound biblical virtue of hearing and acting, crucial for both divine accomplishment and human redemption.
TRV