ὑπερείδω (G5237) — Greek Lexicon

ὑπερείδω

hypereídō

G5237 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To deliberately overlook, ignore, or pass over (an offense or fault), especially with the implication of refraining from explicit punitive action; to disregard or treat as insignificant, particularly in reference to sins or transgressions, often within a context of forbearance or restraint from punishment.

Semantic Range

to overlook (an offense), to deliberately ignore (a transgression), to pass over without punitive action, to refrain from punishing, to treat as insignificant or unworthy of response

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ὑπέρ (over, beyond) and the verb εἴδω (to see), thus literally 'to see over' or 'to look beyond.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ὑπερείδω is a rare term in Koine Greek, found primarily in Hellenistic and later texts including the Septuagint (notably Psalm 50:13 LXX) and the New Testament (Romans 3:25). It is not well attested in Classical Greek, and when used, it commonly conveys the sense of 'passing over' or deliberately refusing to take notice of something, particularly wrongdoing or offenses. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the word often describes forbearance of offenses, emphasizing the withholding of immediate punitive action. English versions have frequently rendered the word with idioms such as 'wink at,' 'overlook,' or even 'forgive,' though forgiveness is better reserved for other Greek terms. The sense of purposeful restraint (rather than forgetfulness or ignorance) is central: the idea is not failing to notice but choosing not to act against what is seen. This nuance is distinct from other Greek verbs for 'forgive' (such as ἀφίημι) or 'bear with' (ἀνέχομαι). In later translations, the word was often interpreted in terms of divine clemency or suspension of judgment, but its primary force in Greek is the action of passing over an offense without executing the expected punishment or censure.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑπέρ and εἴδω; to overlook, i.e. not punish:--wink at.

Root Family

ὑπερείδω (hypereidō) — to overlook, to pass over, to disregard

Root ὑπερεἰδ- to overlook, to pass over, to disregard

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5237-01`	ὑπεριδὼν	uperidon	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	having overlooked	having overlooked	having overlooked	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5237-01`	Acts 17:30	ὑπεριδὼν	uperidon	`V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	having overlooked	having overlooked	having overlooked

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