from ὕστερος; to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient):--come behind (short), be destitute, fail, lack, suffer need, (be in) want, be the worse.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb hysteréō (`{{G5302}}`), derived from husteros (meaning "later" or "behind"), carries a primary sense of being "last" or "inferior" in position or quality. From this etymological root, its semantic range expands to signify a state of deficiency, falling short, or being in want. It denotes a lack of something essential, whether in quantity, quality, or expected standard. The term can describe a literal absence or insufficiency, such as a lack of material provisions ("to suffer need," "be destitute"), or a more abstract, qualitative deficiency, such as "falling short" of a goal, standard, or expectation. Its nuances include "to fail," "to come behind," "to be inferior," or "to be lacking." The core idea is an unfulfilled measure or an unmet requirement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hysteréō (`{{G5302}}`) appears frequently in the New Testament, revealing diverse applications of its core meaning:
* **Moral and Spiritual Deficiency:** Perhaps its most profound theological usage is in [[Romans 3:23]]: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Here, hysteréō describes humanity's universal failure to attain God's righteous standard and reflect His divine image. It signifies a fundamental moral and spiritual inadequacy, not merely a minor defect but a deep-seated inability to meet God's perfect glory. Similarly, in [[Hebrews 4:1]], the warning "lest any of you seem to have come short of it" refers to the danger of failing to enter God's promised rest due to unbelief. To the rich young ruler, Jesus states, "One thing you lack" ([[Mark 10:21]], [[Luke 18:22]]), pointing to a spiritual deficiency in his commitment to God despite his outward adherence to the law.
* **Material and Physical Need:** The word frequently denotes a lack of physical necessities. Paul, in [[Philippians 4:12]], speaks of his ability to endure both abundance and "to suffer need" (hysteréō), highlighting his contentment in Christ regardless of material circumstances. In [[James 2:15]], the apostle uses hysteréō to describe a brother or sister "destitute of daily food," emphasizing the practical implications of faith for social care.
* **Lack of Spiritual Endowment:** In [[1 Corinthians 1:7]], Paul commends the Corinthian believers, stating that they "come behind in no gift," indicating that they were not lacking in any spiritual endowment necessary for their ministry and edification. This usage contrasts with the idea of spiritual deficiency, affirming God's gracious provision to His church.
* **Other Contexts:** [[Luke 15:14]] describes the prodigal son's destitution when a severe famine caused him "to be in want." [[1 Corinthians 8:8]] uses it to describe how eating or not eating certain foods does not make one "worse" or "better" in God's eyes.
Across these contexts, hysteréō consistently highlights a state of insufficiency or failure to meet a required standard, whether divine, material, or spiritual.
### Related Words & Concepts
Hysteréō (`{{G5302}}`) interacts with several related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Words of Deficiency/Lack:**
* `{{G1767}}` (endeia): "want, poverty, indigence." Often used interchangeably with aspects of hysteréō when referring to material need.
* `{{G2992}}` (leipō): "to leave, to lack, to be wanting." Similar in meaning, often implying something is missing or left behind.
* `{{G4432}}` (ptocheia): "poverty, beggary." Focuses more on the state of being poor.
* **Words of Abundance/Sufficiency (Antonyms):**
* `{{G4052}}` (perisseuō): "to abound, to overflow, to be superabundant." Frequently contrasted with hysteréō, as seen in [[Philippians 4:12]].
* `{{G4137}}` (plēroō): "to fill, to complete, to make full." Implies a state of being complete, the opposite of lacking.
* `{{G2425}}` (hikanos): "sufficient, adequate."
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Sin and Human Fallibility:** hysteréō underscores the fallen human condition and the inability of humanity to achieve righteousness apart from God's grace.
* **Divine Grace and Provision:** While humanity "falls short," God's grace makes up for this deficiency. The instances of material hysteréō often serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's faithfulness in providing for His people.
* **Perseverance and Faithfulness:** The warnings against "falling short" emphasize the necessity of enduring faith and obedience to receive God's promises.
* **Discipleship:** The call to address what one "lacks" in discipleship highlights the radical demands of following Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hysteréō (`{{G5302}}`) is profound and multi-faceted:
First, its use in [[Romans 3:23]] is foundational to understanding the doctrine of **universal sinfulness**. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" proclaims humanity's inherent inability to meet God's perfect standard of holiness. This "falling short" is not a minor imperfection but a fundamental deficiency that separates humanity from God's intended glory, making divine intervention through Christ absolutely necessary. It underscores the complete dependence of humanity on God's grace for salvation, as no human effort can bridge this gap.
Second, hysteréō illuminates the **paradox of human need and divine provision**. While believers may experience material or physical hysteréō (as Paul did in [[Philippians 4:12]]), this state is often presented as an opportunity for God's power to be manifest. It teaches reliance on God's sufficiency rather than self-sufficiency, echoing Paul's declaration that he can do "all things through Christ who strengthens me." Even in spiritual gifts, where the Corinthians "come behind in no gift" ([[1 Corinthians 1:7]]), it highlights God's gracious equipping of His church, ensuring they are not spiritually deficient for their mission.
Third, the concept of "falling short" (hysteréō) serves as a **solemn warning** in the context of perseverance and faithfulness. In [[Hebrews 4:1]], the exhortation to "fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it" (God's rest) emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining faith and obedience to inherit God's promises. It underscores that while salvation is by grace, there is a human responsibility to respond in faith and endure to the end.
Finally, hysteréō can highlight **specific deficiencies in discipleship**. Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler, who "lacked one thing" ([[Mark 10:21]]), demonstrates that outward religious observance can mask a deeper spiritual deficiency in commitment to Christ and His kingdom. This challenges believers to examine their lives for areas where they might be "falling short" of God's radical call.
### Summary
The Greek verb hysteréō (`{{G5302}}`) precisely captures the concept of "falling short," "lacking," or "being deficient." Its semantic range extends from concrete material want to profound spiritual and moral inadequacy. Biblically, it is most powerfully employed to articulate humanity's universal failure to attain the glory of God due to sin ([[Romans 3:23]]). However, it also describes material need, which, for the believer, becomes a context for experiencing God's faithful provision ([[Philippians 4:12]]). Furthermore, hysteréō functions as a warning against spiritual complacency and a call to radical discipleship, urging believers to ensure they do not "fall short" of God's promises or His demands ([[Hebrews 4:1]], [[Mark 10:21]]). Ultimately, hysteréō underscores human insufficiency and dependence, serving as a constant reminder of the gracious and all-sufficient nature of God, who alone can make up for all that humanity lacks.
TRV