### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
G5270 (hypokátō) is a compound adverb formed from the Greek preposition G5259 (hypó), meaning "under" or "below," and the adverb G2736 (kátō), meaning "down" or "downwards." Its core meaning is straightforward: "down under," "beneath," or "below." It denotes a precise spatial relationship, indicating a position directly underneath something else. Unlike its root G5259 (hypó), which can carry broader connotations of subordination, agency, or cause, G5270 is almost exclusively focused on the literal, physical, or metaphorical position of being in a lower place relative to another object or entity. It emphasizes the directness and often the close proximity of the "under" position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G5270 appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet its usage consistently reinforces its core spatial meaning, often with significant metaphorical or theological implications.
* **Matthew 22:44**: "The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand, till I put your enemies [[hypokátō]] your feet.'" This is a direct quotation from Psalm 110:1 (LXX) and is a foundational messianic prophecy. The phrase "under your feet" signifies complete and utter subjugation, demonstrating the Messiah's absolute dominion and victory over His adversaries.
* **Mark 6:11**: "And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust [[hypokátō]] your feet as a testimony against them." This instruction to the disciples is a symbolic act of disassociation and judgment. Shaking off the dust from "under their feet" indicates a complete severance of ties and a rejection of any defilement or responsibility from that unresponsive place.
* **Luke 8:16**: "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it [[hypokátō]] a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light." Here, "under a bed" (or a basket in parallel accounts) clearly denotes a hidden, obscured position. The lamp's purpose is to give light, which is thwarted if placed [[hypokátō]] something.
* **Luke 10:17**: "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us [[hypokátō]] your name.'" While the context is spiritual authority, the spatial imagery of "under" remains potent. It signifies the complete subjugation and powerlessness of demonic forces when confronted by the authority inherent in Christ's name.
* **Romans 16:20**: "And the God of peace will crush Satan [[hypokátō]] your feet shortly." This powerful promise echoes the theme of ultimate victory and subjugation seen in the Messianic prophecies. It is a divine assurance of God's decisive triumph over evil, placing Satan in a position of utter defeat "under" the feet of believers, implying their participation in Christ's victory.
* **Revelation 5:3**: "And no one in heaven or on earth or [[hypokátō]] the earth was able to open the scroll or to look at it." This verse uses G5270 to describe the totality of creation – heaven, earth, and "under the earth" (referring to the underworld or depths) – indicating every possible realm or dimension. It emphasizes the universal inability of anyone to open the scroll except the Lamb.
* **Revelation 5:13**: "And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and [[hypokátō]] the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: 'Blessing and honor and glory and power to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!'" Similar to Revelation 5:3, the phrase "under the earth" completes the comprehensive scope of creation, indicating that all beings, regardless of their location, will offer praise to God and the Lamb.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G5259 (hypó)**: The primary preposition from which G5270 is derived. While G5259 also means "under," it possesses a broader semantic range, encompassing ideas of subordination, agency ("by"), or cause, in addition to spatial position. G5270 is more narrowly focused on the direct spatial "beneath."
* **G2736 (kátō)**: The adverb meaning "down" or "downwards." G5270 combines this with G5259 to create a more emphatic and precise sense of being "down under."
* **G5293 (hypopódion)**: "Footstool." This noun is intimately connected to the concept of placing something [[hypokátō]] the feet. The imagery of a footstool for the victor signifies a place of rest, dominion, and complete subjugation for the vanquished, as seen in the "enemies under feet" passages.
* **Dominion and Subjugation**: The most prominent conceptual link for G5270 is the theme of divine authority, conquest, and the complete subjugation of enemies, particularly Satan. This is powerfully conveyed in phrases like "under your feet" (Matthew 22:44, Romans 16:20), which echo Old Testament prophecies such as [[Psalm 8:6]] and [[Psalm 110:1]].
* **Totality and Universality**: In the book of Revelation, G5270 is crucial in expressing the concept of "all creation" or "every creature" (Revelation 5:3, 5:13). The phrase "heaven, earth, and [[hypokátō]] the earth" signifies the exhaustive scope of existence, emphasizing that nothing is outside the ultimate sovereignty of God and the Lamb.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5270 primarily stems from its contribution to understanding divine authority, the ultimate subjugation of evil, and the universal scope of God's sovereignty.
1. **Christ's Ultimate Victory and Dominion**: The recurring phrase "under His feet" or "under your feet" (Matthew 22:44, Luke 10:17, Romans 16:20) is profoundly significant. It directly references Old Testament prophecies ([[Psalm 8:6]], [[Psalm 110:1]]) that speak of the Messiah's complete triumph over all enemies, including death and Satan. This imagery portrays Christ as the sovereign Lord, before whom all opposition is utterly vanquished and brought into submission. For believers, Romans 16:20 extends this victory, promising that God will soon crush Satan *under their feet*, signifying their participation in Christ's triumph through union with Him.
2. **The Nature of Spiritual Authority**: In Luke 10:17, the demons are subject [[hypokátō]] Christ's name. This illustrates that spiritual authority, exercised by believers in Christ's name, is a genuine and effective power that brings demonic forces into a state of utter powerlessness and subjection. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the decisive victory available through Christ.
3. **The Scope of God's Creation and Sovereignty**: In Revelation (Revelation 5:3, 5:13), G5270 is used to delineate the totality of creation ("in heaven, on earth, and [[hypokátō]] the earth"). This emphasizes that God's plan, judgment, and ultimately, the worship of the Lamb, extend to every conceivable realm and every creature within the cosmos. Nothing is outside His purview or beyond the reach of His redemptive and sovereign purposes.
4. **Practical Discipleship and Accountability**: The instruction to shake off dust [[hypokátō]] the feet (Mark 6:11) serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting the Gospel message. It underscores the separation between those who accept and those who refuse, and the solemn accountability that comes with hearing the truth.
### Summary
G5270 (hypokátō) is a Greek adverb meaning "down under" or "beneath," precisely indicating a direct spatial relationship of being in a lower position. While its literal meaning is consistently applied across its New Testament occurrences, its theological weight is considerable, particularly in its metaphorical uses. It is a key term in conveying the absolute dominion and ultimate victory of Christ over all His enemies, including Satan, often expressed through the powerful imagery of placing them "under His feet," echoing Old Testament messianic prophecies. Furthermore, G5270 contributes to the comprehensive scope of God's universal sovereignty, encompassing all realms of creation—heaven, earth, and [[hypokátō]] the earth—all of which are subject to His divine plan and destined to offer Him praise. The word, though simple in its core definition, powerfully underscores the biblical narrative of divine authority, complete subjugation of evil, and the universal reach of God's kingdom.
TRV