### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὑστέρησις (hystérēsis), Strong's `{{G5304}}`, derives from the verb ὑστερέω (hystereō, `{{G5302}}`), which means "to be behind," "to lack," "to fall short," or "to be in want." As a noun, hystérēsis denotes the *state* or *condition* of lacking, a deficiency, or destitution. Its primary semantic range encompasses "a falling short" or "deficiency." However, in its specialized New Testament usage, it narrows to signify "penury," "want," or "destitution," specifically referring to a severe lack of material necessities. This emphasizes an actual, concrete state of need rather than a general or abstract shortfall.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hystérēsis (`{{G5304}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring in Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, and both times conveying the sense of material "want" or "penury."
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:14]]**: "but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:"
* In this context, Paul is exhorting the Corinthian church to contribute to the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. The "want" (hystérēsis) of the Jerusalem believers refers to their severe material destitution. Paul's principle here is one of mutual support and equality within the body of Christ, where the material abundance of some is intended to alleviate the pressing needs of others. This hystérēsis is a tangible, economic hardship that requires a practical, compassionate response.
* **[[2 Corinthians 11:9]]**: "And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself."
* Here, Paul defends his apostleship by recounting his practice of not being a financial burden on the Corinthian church. He states that even when he experienced hystérēsis (material want or need), he did not demand support from them. Instead, his needs were met by believers from Macedonia. This usage again clearly points to a personal, material deficiency or lack that Paul willingly endured or sought to mitigate through external support rather than burdening the Corinthians.
Both occurrences consistently use hystérēsis to describe a state of concrete, material deprivation, highlighting the real-world economic challenges faced by early Christians and apostles.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G5302}}` (hystereō):** The verbal root from which hystérēsis is derived. It means "to lack," "to be in need," or "to fall short." Hystérēsis is the resulting state or condition of this verb.
* **`{{G5303}}` (hysterēma):** Another noun from the same root, meaning "that which is lacking" or a "deficiency." While hysterēma can also denote material want (e.g., [[Mark 12:44]]), it can also refer to a more general shortcoming (e.g., a "defect of faith" in [[1 Thessalonians 3:10]]). Hystérēsis in its New Testament usage seems more consistently applied to severe material penury.
* **`{{G3950}}` (penia) and `{{G4432}}` (ptōcheia):** General Greek terms for poverty or destitution. Hystérēsis describes a specific *state* of being in want, aligning with the reality of such poverty.
* **Concepts:** The word hystérēsis is intrinsically linked to the biblical concepts of poverty, material need, mutual aid, Christian giving, and the practical outworking of love within the community of faith. It also touches upon the theme of apostolic self-sufficiency and integrity, as exemplified by Paul.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hystérēsis revolves around the practical implications of Christian love and community.
* **Solidarity and Equality in the Body of Christ:** The use of hystérēsis in [[2 Corinthians 8:14]] is profoundly significant. It underscores a core principle of New Testament ethics: the mutual responsibility of believers to alleviate the material "want" of their fellow saints. This is not a call for absolute economic leveling, but for a dynamic flow of resources from "abundance" to "want" to establish a spiritual "equality." This reflects the communal nature of the early church, where shared resources addressed pressing needs ([[Acts 4:34-35]]), demonstrating that the church is a place where no one should suffer extreme hystérēsis while others have plenty.
* **Apostolic Integrity and Humility:** In [[2 Corinthians 11:9]], Paul's experience of hystérēsis highlights his profound commitment to the Gospel and his refusal to be a financial burden on the Corinthian church. His willingness to endure material deprivation, relying on the support of other churches, underscores his apostolic integrity and counters any accusations that he was exploiting believers. It serves as an example of self-sacrifice for the sake of the ministry.
* **Christ's Precedent for Giving:** While hystérēsis is not directly applied to Christ, the immediate context of [[2 Corinthians 8:14]] in [[2 Corinthians 8:9]] provides the ultimate theological motivation: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." Christ's self-emptying and voluntary "poverty" (ptōcheia) to address humanity's ultimate spiritual "want" sets the supreme example for believers to respond to the hystérēsis of others.
* **Practical Manifestation of Love:** Hystérēsis points to a tangible human need that demands a tangible response. It moves the discussion from abstract charity to the concrete reality of suffering and the church's divine mandate to alleviate it through compassionate action.
### Summary
Hystérēsis (`{{G5304}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "a falling short" or "deficiency," specifically denoting "penury" or "want." Its two New Testament occurrences, both in 2 Corinthians ([[2 Corinthians 8:14]], [[2 Corinthians 11:9]]), consistently refer to a state of severe material need or destitution. In [[2 Corinthians 8:14]], it highlights the principle of mutual aid and equality among believers, where the abundance of some is to meet the "want" of others. In [[2 Corinthians 11:9]], it describes Paul's personal experience of material lack, underscoring his apostolic integrity and reliance on God's provision through other churches. Theologically, hystérēsis emphasizes the church's responsibility to address the tangible needs of its members, motivated by the sacrificial example of Christ and fostering practical love and solidarity within the community. It is a powerful term that grounds Christian compassion in the reality of human material deprivation.
TRV