### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G5298 (ὑποχωρέω, *hypochōréō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition ὑπό (*hypo*), meaning "under," "beneath," or "away," and the verb χωρέω (*chōreō*, `{{G5562}}`), meaning "to make room," "to go," or "to proceed." The combination yields a core meaning of "to make room by going away," or "to go away quietly/secretly." The ὑπό prefix often conveys a sense of quietness, privacy, or a movement *away from* public view or a particular situation. Thus, the semantic range of G5298 includes "to withdraw," "to retire," "to go aside," or "to depart quietly." It implies a deliberate, often strategic, and purposeful separation from a crowd or a situation, rather than a panicked flight or a general departure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G5298 appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering significant insight into its usage:
1. **[[Luke 5:16]]**: "But He Himself *was often withdrawing* into the wilderness and praying." Here, G5298 describes Jesus' habitual practice of separating Himself from the crowds and the demands of ministry to seek solitude for prayer. The imperfect tense ("was often withdrawing") emphasizes the repeated nature of these intentional retreats. This withdrawal was not an escape from His mission but a vital means of spiritual replenishment and communion with the Father, essential for sustaining His public ministry.
2. **[[Luke 9:10]]**: "And when the apostles returned, they reported to Him all that they had done. And He took them and *withdrew* privately to a city called Bethsaida." Following their exhausting missionary journey, Jesus leads His disciples to *withdraw*. This instance highlights the need for rest, debriefing, and private instruction after intense service. It signifies a compassionate act by Jesus, recognizing their physical and spiritual needs for respite away from public scrutiny.
3. **[[Acts 19:30]]**: "And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples *would not permit him*." (The Greek here uses G5298 in the sense of "restrained him" or "caused him to withdraw.") In the context of the riot in Ephesus, Paul desires to address the agitated crowd, but the disciples, out of concern for his safety, prevent him from doing so. While the English translation "would not permit him" captures the essence, the underlying Greek implies that they actively caused him to *withdraw* or *retire* from the dangerous situation. This usage underscores the word's connection to prudent action and avoiding unnecessary peril.
### Related Words & Concepts
G5298 (ὑποχωρέω) shares its root with χωρέω (`{{G5562}}`), "to go" or "to make room." The prefix ὑπό (hypo-) distinguishes it from other verbs of departure.
Other related words for "going away" or "departing" include:
* ἀναχωρέω (*anachōreō*, `{{G402}}`): "to withdraw," "to retire," often implying a departure for safety, privacy, or a strategic retreat (e.g., Joseph withdrawing to Egypt in [[Matthew 2:14]]). This word often carries a stronger sense of urgency or necessity than G5298.
* ἀποχωρέω (*apochōreō*, `{{G672}}`): "to depart," "to go away," a more general term for leaving a place.
* ἔρχομαι (*erchomai*, `{{G2064}}`): The most common verb for "to come" or "to go," very broad in its application.
* ἀποστρέφω (*apostrephō*, `{{G654}}`): "to turn away," "to return," sometimes implying a withdrawal or turning back from a course of action.
What sets G5298 apart is its specific nuance of a quiet, often purposeful, and sometimes strategic withdrawal, frequently for spiritual reasons (prayer, rest) or for safety, rather than a mere general departure.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5298 is profound, particularly as it relates to the example of Jesus Christ:
1. **The Necessity of Solitude and Prayer:** Jesus' frequent *withdrawal* into desolate places for prayer ([[Luke 5:16]]) provides a foundational model for spiritual discipline. It teaches that even the Son of God, in His earthly ministry, required dedicated time alone with the Father. This was not an escape from His mission but an essential practice for spiritual replenishment, discernment, and sustained communion. For believers, it underscores the vital importance of personal devotion, quiet reflection, and intimate prayer away from the demands and distractions of the world.
2. **Prudence and Discernment:** The use of G5298 in [[Acts 19:30]], where Paul is restrained from entering a dangerous situation, highlights the concept of divine prudence and wisdom. Sometimes, the most courageous act is not to confront, but to *withdraw* from unnecessary peril, allowing God's plan to unfold differently. This demonstrates that strategic retreat, guided by wisdom and counsel, is a legitimate and often necessary aspect of faithful living and ministry.
3. **The Importance of Rest and Retreat for Ministry:** Jesus' action of taking His disciples to *withdraw* after their mission ([[Luke 9:10]]) reveals His compassionate understanding of human limitations. It teaches that rest, processing, and private instruction are crucial for those engaged in demanding service. Ministry is not merely about constant output but also about intentional periods of input, recovery, and spiritual renewal. This emphasizes a holistic approach to discipleship and service, recognizing the need for both activity and quietude.
### Summary
G5298 (ὑποχωρέω) signifies a deliberate, often quiet, and purposeful withdrawal or retirement. Its etymology, combining "under/away" with "to go/make room," points to a strategic separation from a crowd or situation. In the New Testament, it is used to describe Jesus' intentional retreats for prayer and communion with God ([[Luke 5:16]]), His compassionate leading of His disciples to rest after ministry ([[Luke 9:10]]), and the prudent act of being restrained from danger ([[Acts 19:30]]). Theologically, G5298 underscores the critical importance of solitude, prayer, and rest for spiritual vitality, and highlights the wisdom of discerning when to withdraw for safety or strategic purposes in service to God. It is not an act of cowardice, but often one of profound spiritual discipline and discernment.
TRV