The meaning of “ὑπακούω”
Understanding hypakoúō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
hearken, be obedient to, obey. - to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively - by implication, to heed ...
ὑπακούω
hearken, be obedient to, obey. - to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively - by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 8:27 | “But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Word: ὑπακούω (hypakoúō) | |
| Luke 17:6 | “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” Word: ὑπακούω (hypakoúō) | |
| Romans 6:17 | “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” Word: ὑπακούω (hypakoúō) | |
| Philippians 2:12 | “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Word: ὑπακούω (hypakoúō) | |
| 2 Thessalonians 3:14 | “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.” Word: ὑπακούω (hypakoúō) |
Theological Word Study: Obey
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To hear, listen, obey
The Hebrew shama (שָׁמַע) means to hear—but hearing in Hebrew implies obedience. The Shema ('Hear, O Israel') calls for both hearing and obeying: 'to obey is better than sacrifice' (1 Samuel 15:22).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To obey, listen to
The Greek hupakouo (ὑπακούω) means to listen under—obedient submission. Faith produces obedience: Paul speaks of 'the obedience of faith' (Romans 1:5), and Jesus 'learned obedience by the things which he suffered' (Hebrews 5:8).