### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ὑποβάλλω (hypobállō, `{{G5260}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ὑπό (hypó, `{{G5259}}`), meaning "under," "beneath," or implying a secret, subordinate, or indirect action, and the verb βάλλω (ballō, `{{G906}}`), meaning "to throw," "to cast." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "to throw under" or "to cast in secretly." This foundational meaning extends semantically to "to suggest secretly," "to prompt covertly," or "to instigate by stealth." The core implication is one of clandestine manipulation, often with malicious intent. It describes the act of introducing ideas, persons, or evidence surreptitiously or through collusion, typically for the purpose of deception or accusation. The English translation "suborn" accurately captures this nuanced meaning of inducing someone to commit a wrongful act, especially perjury, through secret influence or bribery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὑποβάλλω (`{{G5260}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 6:11]]**: "Then they secretly induced men to say, 'We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.'" (NIV)
* In this pivotal passage, the opponents of Stephen, unable to withstand his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke, resorted to underhanded tactics. The phrase "secretly induced men" (ὑπέβαλον ἄνδρας) directly employs ὑποβάλλω. This indicates that the accusers did not come forward spontaneously but were covertly prompted, instigated, or perhaps even bribed to bear false witness against Stephen. The action is characterized by deception and malice, aiming to create a fabricated case against an innocent man. This act of suborning false witnesses is a direct violation of the ninth commandment ([[Exodus 20:16]], [[Deuteronomy 5:20]]) and highlights the depth of the opposition faced by the early church. The verb underscores the calculated and insidious nature of the opposition's strategy, demonstrating their unwillingness to engage with truth and their readiness to employ unrighteous means to achieve their ends.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept expressed by ὑποβάλλω (`{{G5260}}`) is intrinsically linked to themes of deception, false accusation, and conspiracy. Related Greek terms and concepts include:
* ψευδομαρτυρέω (pseudomartyreō, `{{G5576}}`): "to bear false witness." This is the direct outcome of the act of ὑποβάλλω in [[Acts 6:11]]. The suborned individuals then become false witnesses.
* ψευδής (pseudēs, `{{G5571}}`): "false," "lying." This adjective describes the nature of the testimony produced by those who are suborned.
* συκοφαντέω (sykophanteō, `{{G4811}}`): "to accuse falsely," "to extort." While ὑποβάλλω focuses on the *instigation* of the false act, συκοφαντέω describes the *act* of malicious accusation itself.
* ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē, `{{G1917}}`): "a plot," "a conspiracy," "an ambush." This noun captures the broader conspiratorial context within which ὑποβάλλω operates, as it implies a pre-meditated scheme.
* διάβολος (diabolos, `{{G1228}}`): "slanderer," "accuser," "devil." The devil is the quintessential "accuser of the brethren" ([[Revelation 12:10]]), embodying the ultimate source of malicious instigation and false accusation. The act of suborning is thus seen as a manifestation of satanic tactics.
* The broader semantic field of βάλλω (`{{G906}}`) can denote casting or throwing in various contexts, but the prefix ὑπό (`{{G5259}}`) critically modifies its meaning to convey the clandestine and insidious nature.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ὑποβάλλω (`{{G5260}}`) in [[Acts 6:11]] carries profound theological significance, illuminating several key biblical themes:
1. **The Nature of Opposition to God's Truth**: The suborning of false witnesses against Stephen exemplifies the unrighteous and deceptive methods employed by those who oppose God's work and His messengers. It reveals a spiritual battle where truth is distorted and justice perverted by human machinations.
2. **Persecution of the Righteous**: Stephen, "full of grace and power" ([[Acts 6:8]]), becomes a victim of malicious fabrication. This mirrors the persecution of prophets throughout Israel's history ([[Matthew 5:12]], [[Luke 11:49]]) and, most significantly, the trial of Jesus Himself, who was also condemned based on false testimony ([[Matthew 26:59-60]]). The suborning of witnesses is a recurring tactic against those who faithfully proclaim God's word.
3. **The Integrity of Witness**: In contrast to the false witness produced by suborned individuals, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of true, Spirit-empowered witness to Christ ([[Acts 1:8]]). The act of ὑποβάλλω stands in stark opposition to the integrity and truthfulness demanded of God's people.
4. **Divine Justice vs. Human Corruption**: While human courts can be corrupted by suborned testimony, God's ultimate justice cannot be swayed. The narrative in Acts implicitly trusts in God's sovereignty, even when His servants face unjust condemnation. Stephen's vision of Christ at God's right hand ([[Acts 7:55-56]]) underscores this divine vindication.
5. **The Tactics of the Adversary**: The use of ὑποβάλλω reflects the insidious nature of evil, which often operates through hidden influence, manipulation, and the propagation of lies. This resonates with the biblical portrayal of Satan as a deceiver and the "father of lies" ([[John 8:44]]).
### Summary
The Greek word ὑποβάλλω (`{{G5260}}`), meaning "to throw in stealthily" or "to suborn," succinctly captures the act of secretly instigating or prompting another to commit a wrongful act, typically bearing false witness. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 6:11]] powerfully illustrates the malicious and deceptive tactics employed against Stephen, a man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This act of suborning false witnesses highlights the profound spiritual conflict between truth and falsehood, the unjust persecution faced by God's faithful messengers, and the insidious methods of those who oppose divine revelation. The word serves as a stark reminder of the integrity demanded in witness and the ultimate triumph of God's justice over human corruption and conspiratorial deceit.
TRV