from a compound of ὑπό and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι; to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e. (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions):--keep under, weary.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G5299 (hypōpiázō) carries a vivid and multi-layered meaning, rooted in the ancient world of pugilism. Its etymological components, ὑπό (hypo, "under") and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai, "to see" or "to appear"), literally suggest "to strike under the eye," resulting in a black eye or a disabling blow. This primary sense describes the act of a boxer delivering a punch that incapacitates an opponent, rendering them "black and blue" or "worn out."
From this literal physical action, the word extends into significant figurative applications. It can denote the act of "wearing down," "exhausting," or "annoying into compliance" through persistent effort or pressure. In this sense, it implies a gradual but effective subjugation. A further figurative meaning, particularly relevant in ethical contexts, is "to discipline," "to subdue," or "to bring into subjection," especially referring to one's own body or passions. This conveys a rigorous, even forceful, self-control, akin to an athlete's intense training to master their physical being. The semantic range thus moves from a direct, incapacitating blow to the sustained, wearing down of an adversary or the rigorous self-mastery of the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5299 (hypōpiázō) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range.
In [[Luke 18:5]], within the Parable of the Persistent Widow, the unjust judge declares, "yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." Here, hypōpiázō is translated as "weary" or "trouble." The judge's motivation is not justice or compassion, but a desire to avoid being "worn out" or "beaten down" by the widow's incessant pleas. The imagery evokes a sense of being pestered to the point of exasperation, where the persistent "hitting under the eye" (figuratively speaking) of the widow's appeals eventually grinds down the judge's resistance, forcing a response. This highlights the power of persistent, unyielding supplication.
The second occurrence is in [[1 Corinthians 9:27]], where the Apostle Paul states, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." Here, Paul employs the word in a powerful athletic metaphor. He is not literally punching himself in the eye, but rather "buffeting" or "subduing" his body, treating it as an opponent that must be brought under control. The verb conveys a strenuous, even painful, process of self-mastery. Paul's spiritual discipline is so rigorous that he likens it to a boxer's training, where the body's desires and impulses are "hit under the eye" and brought into complete submission to the will of God, ensuring he remains spiritually fit for ministry and avoids being "disqualified" (`{{G96}}` adokimos), or failing the test.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G5299 (hypōpiázō) resonates with several related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Words of Striking/Beating:** The literal sense connects it to words like `{{G5180}}` (tuptō, "to strike, beat"), `{{G1194}}` (derō, "to skin, flay, beat"), or `{{G4474}}` (rhapizō, "to strike with a rod or palm of the hand"). While hypōpiázō specifies the target (under the eye) and the effect (disabling, wearing out), these terms share the general action of physical impact.
* **Words of Discipline/Subjugation:** In its figurative use, especially in [[1 Corinthians 9:27]], hypōpiázō aligns with terms describing self-control and mastery. `{{G1468}}` (egkrateia, "self-control, temperance") denotes the inner virtue that leads to such discipline. `{{G1199}}` (douloō, "to enslave, bring into bondage") captures the idea of bringing something into complete subjection, much like Paul brings his body into "slavery" to Christ. `{{G3811}}` (paideuō, "to train, discipline, instruct") encompasses the broader concept of spiritual formation and correction, though hypōpiázō highlights the intense, even forceful, aspect of this discipline.
* **Athletic Metaphors:** The context of [[1 Corinthians 9:27]] places hypōpiázō within a rich tapestry of athletic imagery Paul uses to describe the Christian life: running a race (`{{G5143}}` trechō), striving for the prize (`{{G109}}` agōnizomai), and exercising self-control (`{{G1467}}` egkrateuomai). The "black eye" of hypōpiázō signifies the grueling effort required to win the spiritual contest.
* **Persistence:** In [[Luke 18:5]], the concept of persistence (`{{G4342}}` proskartereō, "to continue steadfastly") is central. The widow's unceasing coming is the "blow" that wears down the judge, illustrating the power of unwavering prayer and perseverance in the face of adversity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5299 (hypōpiázō) is profound, touching upon the nature of prayer, spiritual discipline, and the Christian walk.
In the context of prayer ([[Luke 18:5]]), the word underscores the importance of *persistence* in approaching God. While God is not an unjust judge who needs to be "worn down," the parable uses this human analogy to teach about the efficacy of fervent, unceasing prayer. It reassures believers that God, who is infinitely more just and loving, will certainly respond to the cries of His elect who "cry out to Him day and night" [[Luke 18:7]]. The "wearying" of the judge highlights that even a reluctant authority can be moved by relentless petition, thereby strengthening faith in God's willingness to hear and answer.
In the realm of spiritual discipline ([[1 Corinthians 9:27]]), hypōpiázō reveals the demanding nature of the Christian life. Paul's use of this strong verb indicates that bringing the body into subjection is not a passive or gentle process, but an active, strenuous, and perhaps even painful struggle against the desires of the flesh. It is a deliberate, daily "beating down" of sinful impulses and self-will, much like an athlete rigorously trains to master their physical form for competition. This self-discipline is crucial for maintaining spiritual integrity and effectiveness in ministry, ensuring that one does not become "disqualified" from the eternal prize. It speaks to the necessity of crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires [[Galatians 5:24]] and living a life of intentional holiness.
### Summary
G5299 (hypōpiázō) is a potent Greek verb, originally denoting a debilitating blow "under the eye" in boxing. Its two New Testament occurrences extend this physical imagery into profound spiritual truths. In [[Luke 18:5]], it illustrates the power of persistent prayer to "wear down" even an unjust authority, thereby encouraging believers to pray without ceasing. In [[1 Corinthians 9:27]], Paul employs it as a vivid metaphor for rigorous self-discipline, emphasizing the active, even forceful, subjugation of the body and its desires for the sake of spiritual integrity and effective ministry. Ultimately, hypōpiázō encapsulates the demanding but essential nature of the Christian walk, highlighting the need for unwavering perseverance in prayer and relentless self-mastery in pursuit of godliness.
TRV