### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb hypotíthēmi (ὑποτίθημι) `{{G5294}}` is a compound word formed from the preposition hypó (ὑπό) `{{G5259}}`, meaning "under," and the verb títhēmi (τίθημι) `{{G5087}}`, meaning "to place" or "to put." Its literal meaning is "to place underneath."
From this literal sense, two primary figurative meanings emerge in the New Testament:
1. **To Hazard / To Lay Down:** This refers to placing something "under" a risk or danger, thereby "laying it down" or "sacrificing" it. This can apply to one's life or possessions, signifying a profound act of self-giving or daring.
2. **To Suggest / To Put in Remembrance / To Lay Before:** This refers to placing ideas, instructions, or truths "under" someone's consideration or attention. It implies presenting information, advising, instructing, or reminding someone of something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hypotíthēmi occurs twice in the New Testament, each instance illustrating one of its distinct semantic ranges:
* **[[Romans 16:4]]**: "who for my life laid down their own necks, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the Gentiles."
* **Context**: Paul is commending Priscilla and Aquila for their extraordinary devotion.
* **Analysis**: Here, hypotíthēmi is used metaphorically to describe an act of extreme self-sacrifice. To "lay down one's neck" is an idiom for risking one's life, likely facing execution or grave danger. Priscilla and Aquila demonstrated a profound, life-threatening commitment to Paul, embodying sacrificial love (agapē `{{G26}}`) and loyalty within the Christian community. This usage aligns with the "to hazard" or "to lay down" meaning, emphasizing costly devotion.
* **[[1 Timothy 4:6]]**: "If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed."
* **Context**: Paul is instructing Timothy on his responsibilities as a leader in the church, particularly concerning sound doctrine and spiritual discipline (referring to the preceding verses about avoiding myths and training for godliness).
* **Analysis**: In this verse, hypotíthēmi means "to lay before," "to suggest," or "to instruct." Timothy is commanded to present or remind the believers of the essential truths and practices of the Christian faith. This highlights the pastoral duty of faithfully imparting sound doctrine and guidance to the congregation. It underscores the importance of teaching and admonition as a mark of a "good servant of Christ Jesus."
### Related Words & Concepts
The dual nature of hypotíthēmi connects it to two significant clusters of biblical concepts:
1. **Related to Sacrifice and Self-Giving:**
* títhēmi `{{G5087}}`: The base verb, often used in contexts of "laying down" one's life (e.g., Christ laying down His life for the sheep, [[John 10:11, 15]]).
* paradídōmi `{{G3860}}`: "to hand over," frequently used for Christ being delivered up for our sins.
* dídōmi `{{G1325}}`: "to give," in contexts of giving oneself or one's resources.
* **Concepts**: Love (agapē `{{G26}}`), selflessness, martyrdom, service, loyalty, identification with Christ's suffering.
2. **Related to Teaching and Instruction:**
* didaskō `{{G1321}}`: "to teach."
* noutheteō `{{G3560}}`: "to admonish," "to warn," or "to instruct."
* parakalō `{{G3870}}`: "to exhort," "to encourage," often with a teaching component.
* anamimnēskō `{{G363}}`: "to remind," "to bring to remembrance."
* **Concepts**: Sound doctrine (didaskalia `{{G1319}}`), spiritual nourishment, pastoral care, discipleship, stewardship of truth, spiritual formation.
### Theological Significance
The two occurrences of hypotíthēmi `{{G5294}}` collectively reveal profound theological implications for Christian life and ministry:
1. **The Cost of Discipleship and Sacrificial Love**: In its usage in [[Romans 16:4]], hypotíthēmi underscores the radical demand of Christian love. It is not merely an emotion but a costly commitment, even to the point of risking one's life for others. This mirrors the ultimate act of Christ, who "laid down" His life for His sheep ([[John 10:11, 15]]). It signifies the depth of fellowship and solidarity within the body of Christ, where believers are called to prioritize the well-being of others, even above their own safety. This act of "laying down" is a tangible expression of the gospel's transforming power.
2. **The Imperative of Faithful Teaching and Admonition**: In [[1 Timothy 4:6]], the word highlights the critical responsibility of spiritual leaders to faithfully impart and remind believers of sound doctrine and godly living. This is not a suggestion but an imperative for a "good servant of Christ Jesus." The spiritual health and maturity of the church depend on the clear and consistent "laying before" of truth, which guards against error and promotes spiritual growth. This usage emphasizes the importance of theological fidelity and the practical application of truth in shaping lives.
Thus, hypotíthēmi encapsulates both the *action* of costly self-giving love and the *action* of diligent, truth-centered instruction, both of which are foundational to the Christian walk and the flourishing of the church.
### Summary
The Greek verb hypotíthēmi (ὑποτίθημι) `{{G5294}}`, meaning literally "to place underneath," carries two significant figurative meanings in the New Testament. Firstly, it denotes "to hazard" or "to lay down," exemplified in [[Romans 16:4]] where Priscilla and Aquila "laid down their own necks" for Paul, signifying profound sacrificial love and commitment. Secondly, it means "to put in remembrance," "to suggest," or "to lay before," as seen in [[1 Timothy 4:6]] where Timothy is instructed to "put these things before the brothers," referring to the faithful impartation of sound doctrine and spiritual discipline. These two usages highlight core aspects of Christian discipleship: the costly, self-giving nature of love and service, and the vital responsibility of clear, consistent teaching within the community of faith.
TRV