from ὑπό and τάσσω; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ὑποτάσσω (hypotássō, `{{G5293}}`) is a compound word derived from ὑπό (hypó), meaning "under," and τάσσω (tássō), meaning "to arrange," "to order," or "to place." Thus, the core meaning of ὑποτάσσω is "to place under arrangement," "to subordinate," or "to put in order beneath."
The semantic range of ὑποτάσσω is broad and context-dependent:
1. **Active Voice:** It can mean "to subject," "to subdue," or "to bring under control." This often implies an action taken by a superior agent to bring something or someone into a state of subordination.
2. **Passive Voice:** It means "to be subjected," "to be put under," or "to be made subject." This describes the state of being under the authority or control of another.
3. **Middle Voice (often reflexive):** This is perhaps the most significant usage in theological contexts, meaning "to submit oneself," "to obey," or "to yield voluntarily." This implies a conscious act of humility and deference, rather than a forced subjugation. It is this nuanced understanding of voluntary submission that often carries profound theological weight in the New Testament.
The term does not inherently denote inferiority in value or worth, but rather a functional ordering or a relational posture within a given hierarchy or structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ὑποτάσσω appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating various dimensions of submission and authority:
* **Christ's Submission:** The ultimate example of ὑποτάσσω is Christ's perfect submission to the Father. [[1 Corinthians 15:28]] states that when all things are subjected to Christ, "then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all." This profound theological statement reveals submission as integral to the divine order and the Son's perfect obedience. Similarly, [[Philippians 2:8]] describes Christ's humility in becoming obedient unto death.
* **Believers to Governing Authorities:** Christians are commanded to ὑποτάσσω to governing authorities, not out of fear, but as a matter of conscience and for the sake of order. [[Romans 13:1]] declares, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." This is reiterated in [[Titus 3:1]] and [[1 Peter 2:13]]. This submission is to God's ordained order for society.
* **Wives to Husbands:** In household codes, wives are exhorted to ὑποτάσσω to their own husbands. Examples include [[Ephesians 5:22]], [[Colossians 3:18]], [[Titus 2:5]], and [[1 Peter 3:1]]. This is often presented in conjunction with the husband's command to love his wife sacrificially, mirroring Christ's love for the church. It is a submission within a framework of mutual love and respect, not a subjugation of personhood.
* **Church to Christ:** The church is commanded to ὑποτάσσω to Christ, its head. [[Ephesians 5:24]] states, "But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything." This illustrates the voluntary, loving submission of the redeemed community to its Lord.
* **Servants to Masters:** Servants are instructed to ὑποτάσσω to their masters. [[Ephesians 6:5]], [[Titus 2:9]], and [[1 Peter 2:18]] provide examples. This reflects the social structures of the time and emphasizes a posture of respectful obedience within one's vocational calling.
* **Younger to Older/All to One Another:** [[1 Peter 5:5]] calls for younger men to ὑποτάσσω to elders, and then broadens the command: "clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." This highlights ὑποτάσσω as a general principle of humility and mutual respect within the community of faith.
* **Demons to Disciples:** In a demonstration of divine authority, the disciples rejoice that "even the demons are subject to us in Your name" ([[Luke 10:17]]). This illustrates the power of Christ's name to bring spiritual forces into subjection.
Across these contexts, ὑποτάσσω consistently points to an ordered relationship, often implying a voluntary yielding to a legitimate authority, for the sake of harmony, righteousness, or divine design.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words and theological concepts are closely related to ὑποτάσσω, helping to illuminate its full meaning:
* **ὑποταγή (hypotagē, `{{G5292}}`):** This is the noun form derived from ὑποτάσσω, meaning "submission" or "subjection." It denotes the state or act of being subordinate, as seen in [[1 Timothy 2:11]] regarding women learning in quietness "with all submission."
* **πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`):** Meaning "to persuade" or "to obey," this word often describes obedience that arises from conviction or trust, rather than mere positional authority. While ὑποτάσσω focuses on the placement under authority, πείθω emphasizes the internal assent to that authority.
* **πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō, `{{G3980}}`):** Meaning "to obey authority" or "to be obedient to a ruler." This word highlights obedience specifically to those in positions of rule or leadership, as in [[Acts 5:29]], "We must obey God rather than men."
* **δοῦλος (doulos, `{{G1401}}`):** Meaning "servant" or "slave," this term describes the status of one who is entirely subject to another's will. The concept of ὑποτάσσω often describes the posture of a δοῦλος in relation to their master, though ὑποτάσσω can also apply to free individuals in specific roles.
* **ἐξουσία (exousia, `{{G1849}}`):** Meaning "authority" or "power." ὑποτάσσω is the response to ἐξουσία. One submits to authority; authority exercises power.
* **Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosynē, `{{G5012}}`):** The act of ὑποτάσσω often flows from a humble spirit, recognizing God's ordained order and one's place within it. [[1 Peter 5:5]] directly links ὑποτάσσω among believers with clothing oneself in humility.
* **Order (τάξις, taxis, `{{G5010}}`):** Given that τάσσω is the root, ὑποτάσσω inherently speaks to divine order and arrangement within creation, society, and the church.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὑποτάσσω is profound, touching upon the nature of God, human relationships, and the dynamics of the Kingdom.
1. **Divine Order and Harmony:** ὑποτάσσω underscores the biblical emphasis on order within creation and redemption. God is a God of order, not chaos. The various commands to submit—whether to Christ, to governing authorities, or within families—are not arbitrary but reflect a divine design intended for peace, flourishing, and the proper functioning of relationships.
2. **Christ as the Pattern:** The Son's voluntary ὑποτάσσω to the Father is the supreme example for all believers. It demonstrates that submission is not a sign of weakness or inferiority, but an act of perfect love, obedience, and alignment with divine will. Christ's submission leads to His exaltation ([[Philippians 2:9-11]]), teaching that true greatness in God's economy often comes through humble service and submission.
3. **Redemptive and Relational:** In the New Testament, ὑποτάσσω is frequently presented in the context of reciprocal relationships (e.g., husbands loving wives as wives submit). This suggests that biblical submission is not a one-sided demand but a relational posture within a framework of love, respect, and mutual responsibility. It is a means by which believers reflect the character of Christ and contribute to the unity and health of the body of Christ.
4. **Counter-Cultural Virtue:** In many modern contexts, ὑποτάσσω is often misunderstood as oppressive or demeaning. However, the biblical teaching presents it as a virtue, a pathway to grace ([[1 Peter 5:5]]), and a demonstration of faith in God's wisdom. It challenges human autonomy and self-will, calling believers to yield to authorities God has established, ultimately yielding to God Himself.
5. **Spiritual Warfare:** The subjection of demonic forces to Christ's name ([[Luke 10:17]]) demonstrates the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign power over all opposing spiritual powers, highlighting that all creation will ultimately be brought into ὑποτάσσω under Christ's Lordship.
### Summary
ὑποτάσσω (hypotássō, `{{G5293}}`) is a rich Greek verb meaning "to place under arrangement," "to subordinate," or "to submit oneself." Its core components, "under" (ὑπό) and "to arrange" (τάσσω), reveal its emphasis on ordered relationships and proper placement within a structure. While it can denote active subjection by a superior, its most profound theological usage in the New Testament often refers to a voluntary and humble submission.
Biblical occurrences demonstrate its wide application: from Christ's perfect obedience to the Father, to the believer's submission to governing authorities, the church's submission to Christ, and the ordering of relationships within the family and community. It is a concept deeply intertwined with humility, obedience, and divine order. Far from indicating inferiority, ὑποτάσσω is presented as a virtue essential for harmonious relationships, reflecting God's design and the pattern of Christ's own life. It underscores the truth that true freedom and flourishing are found within the boundaries of God's established order and a humble yielding to His sovereign will.
TRV