from ὑπό and στέλλω; to withhold under (out of sight), i.e. (reflexively) to cower or shrink, (figuratively) to conceal (reserve):--draw (keep) back, shun, withdraw.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5288 *hypostéllō* is a compound verb derived from ὑπό (*hypó*), meaning "under" or "beneath," and στέλλω (*stéllō*), which can mean "to arrange," "to send," or, in a nautical context, "to furl sails" (i.e., to draw back or contract them). This etymological foundation reveals the core semantic range of *hypostéllō*: to "draw back," "shrink from," "hold back," or "conceal."
The base definition provided indicates several nuances:
1. **To withhold under (out of sight):** This suggests an act of intentional concealment or reservation, keeping something hidden or unexpressed.
2. **To cower or shrink (reflexively):** This denotes a physical or emotional recoil, often driven by fear, timidity, or a desire to avoid confrontation or exposure.
3. **To conceal (reserve) (figuratively):** Extending the idea of withholding, this applies to truths, actions, or commitments that are not fully revealed or pursued.
Thus, *hypostéllō* encompasses the ideas of retreat, evasion, suppression, and a failure to act or speak forthrightly, often due to apprehension or a lack of conviction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5288 *hypostéllō* appears four times in the New Testament, each instance carrying significant theological weight:
* **[[Acts 20:20]]**: In Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, he declares, "how I did not *shrink back* from declaring to you anything that was profitable." Here, *hypostéllō* signifies a failure to fully proclaim the truth. Paul asserts his integrity and boldness, emphasizing that he withheld no beneficial teaching, regardless of the difficulty or personal cost.
* **[[Acts 20:27]]**: Paul reiterates this commitment, stating, "For I did not *shrink back* from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." This reinforces the previous verse, highlighting the completeness and unreserved nature of his apostolic ministry. To *hypostéllō* in this context would mean to compromise the gospel message by omitting uncomfortable truths or avoiding necessary admonitions.
* **[[Galatians 2:12]]**: This passage describes Peter's actions in Antioch. After initially eating with Gentiles, "when certain men came from James, he *drew back* and *separated himself*, fearing those of the circumcision party." Here, *hypostéllō* describes Peter's withdrawal and segregation, driven by fear and leading to hypocrisy. It illustrates a failure of conviction in the face of social or religious pressure, compromising the truth of the gospel regarding Gentile inclusion.
* **[[Hebrews 10:38]]**: Quoting Habakkuk 2:4 (LXX), the author warns, "But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he *shrinks back*, My soul has no pleasure in him." This is a solemn warning against apostasy or a failure to persevere in faith. To *hypostéllō* here means to abandon one's commitment to Christ, to retreat from the life of faith, particularly in the face of trials or persecution. The consequence is severe: divine displeasure.
Across these contexts, *hypostéllō* consistently carries a negative connotation, indicating a failure of faithfulness, courage, or integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *hypostéllō* intersects with several related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Antonyms/Opposites**:
* `{{G3954}}` (*parrēsia*): Boldness, frankness, freedom of speech. This is often contrasted with *hypostéllō*, especially in the context of proclamation (e.g., Paul's boldness vs. shrinking back).
* `{{G5278}}` (*hypomonē*): Endurance, steadfastness, perseverance. This virtue is the antithesis of shrinking back from faith, as seen in Hebrews 10.
* `{{G4343}}` (*prokóptō*): To advance, make progress. This stands in contrast to retreating or drawing back.
* **Synonyms/Related Ideas**:
* `{{G2928}}` (*kryptō*): To hide, conceal. While broader, it shares the aspect of keeping something out of sight.
* `{{G5342}}` (*pheugō*): To flee, shun. Shares the idea of avoiding or withdrawing from something.
* `{{G659}}` (*apochōreō*): To depart, withdraw. Similar to Peter's action in Galatians.
* **Concepts**: Fear (`{{G5401}}` *phóbos*), compromise, hypocrisy, apostasy, integrity, courage, faithfulness, perseverance. The presence or absence of *hypostéllō* often highlights these virtues or vices.
### Theological Significance
The word *hypostéllō* carries profound theological significance, particularly concerning Christian conduct, ministry, and perseverance:
1. **Integrity in Ministry**: Paul's repeated use in Acts 20 underscores the divine imperative for ministers to declare the *entire* counsel of God without reservation or fear. To *hypostéllō* in preaching is to betray one's commission, to withhold truth that is "profitable" for the hearers, and to compromise the integrity of the gospel message. This calls for courageous and unvarnished proclamation, regardless of personal cost or popular opinion.
2. **The Danger of Compromise and Hypocrisy**: Peter's action in Galatians serves as a stark warning against allowing fear of man or social pressure to dictate one's convictions. His *hypostéllō* led to hypocrisy and undermined the unity of the church, demonstrating how a seemingly small act of withdrawal can have significant theological and communal repercussions, particularly concerning the inclusivity of the gospel.
3. **The Necessity of Perseverance in Faith**: In Hebrews 10, *hypostéllō* is presented as the antithesis of living by faith. It represents a spiritual retreat, an abandonment of commitment to Christ, which incurs divine displeasure. This passage emphasizes that true faith is not merely an initial assent but a steadfast endurance, a continuous pressing forward despite trials. The one who *hypostéllō* from faith demonstrates a lack of genuine trust and commitment, jeopardizing their salvation.
4. **Divine Pleasure and Displeasure**: The phrase "My soul has no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:38) highlights the gravity of shrinking back from faith. God delights in the steadfastness and perseverance of His people, and finds no pleasure in those who turn away. This underscores the serious implications of spiritual timidity or apostasy.
In essence, *hypostéllō* serves as a powerful negative example, calling believers to boldness in proclamation, unwavering conviction in fellowship, and steadfast perseverance in their walk with God.
### Summary
The Greek word G5288 *hypostéllō* fundamentally means to "draw back," "shrink from," or "conceal." In its New Testament occurrences, it consistently carries a negative connotation, highlighting failures in Christian conduct and ministry. Paul uses it to emphasize his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the "whole counsel of God" without omission or fear (Acts 20:20, 27), contrasting this with any tendency to *hypostéllō* the truth. Peter's action in Galatians 2:12 illustrates a *hypostéllō* driven by fear of man, leading to compromise and hypocrisy within the early church. Finally, in Hebrews 10:38, the term signifies a perilous "shrinking back" from faith, warning against apostasy and emphasizing the divine displeasure that accompanies such a retreat. Thus, *hypostéllō* stands as a crucial term underscoring the biblical call to courage, integrity, and perseverance in faith, ministry, and fellowship, serving as a powerful warning against fear, compromise, and spiritual timidity.
TRV