ὑπερέχω (G5242) — Greek Lexicon

ὑπερέχω

hyperéchō

G5242 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be above or to surpass in position, rank, or quality; to rise above or stand out, especially in comparison or status. Contextually, it can mean to be superior, to possess a distinguishing advantage, or to excel beyond others.

Semantic Range

to rise above (physically), to be superior (in rank or quality), to surpass, to excel, to be in authority over, to be outstanding, to project above, to have prominence

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ὑπέρ (over, above) and the verb ἔχω (to have, hold). The compounded form ὑπερέχω literally means 'to have above' or 'to hold over.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ὑπερέχω is used both in a literal sense—'to project above,' 'to overhang,' or 'to rise above' (as of land or objects)—and metaphorically, indicating superiority of position, authority, or excellence. In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (Septuagint), the term often refers to superiority or prominence. In the New Testament, its usage is primarily metaphorical: it describes an authority who is 'above' (Phil 2:3), states of surpassing value or worth (Phil 3:8), and the 'peace of God' that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). English translations often choose 'surpass', 'excel', 'be superior', or 'be in authority.' However, the underlying sense is not limited to moral or ethical excellence but can refer to any kind of distinction—rank, value, or transcendent quality. The participial and adjectival forms are sometimes used substantivally to denote 'those in authority' or 'superiors.' The semantic range in Koine Greek is somewhat broader than in classical usage, encompassing both abstract and concrete superiority.

Translation Consistency

primary "surpass" 3 occurrences

“Surpass” naturally covers the full semantic range—to rise above, exceed, be superior, or stand out—and is a simple, idiomatic English verb that fits the typical uses of ὑπερέχω across contexts.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):

"that are higher" (1x) "supreme authority" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑπέρ and ἔχω; to hold oneself above, i.e. (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority:--better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme.

Root Family

ὑπερέχω (hyperéchō) — to be over, to hold above, to surpass

Root ὑπερ-ἔχ- to be over, to hold above, to surpass

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5242-02`	ὑπερέχοντας	uperechontas	`V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL`	better	those surpassing	those surpassing	1
`G5242-03`	ὑπερέχοντι	uperechonti	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG`	to the supreme authority	to the one surpassing	to the supreme authority	1
`G5242-04`	ὑπερέχουσα	uperechousa	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG`	which surpasses	surpassing	which surpasses	1
`G5242-05`	ὑπερεχούσαις	uperechousais	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT F PL`	higher	to the ones surpassing	that are higher	1
`G5242-01`	ὑπερέχον	uperechon	`V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N SG`	surpassing value	surpassing thing	surpassing value	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5242-05`	Romans 13:1	ὑπερεχούσαις	uperechousais	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT F PL`	higher	to the ones surpassing	that are higher
`G5242-02`	Philippians 2:3	ὑπερέχοντας	uperechontas	`V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M PL`	better	those surpassing	those surpassing
`G5242-01`	Philippians 3:8	ὑπερέχον	uperechon	`V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N SG`	surpassing value	surpassing thing	surpassing value
`G5242-04`	Philippians 4:7	ὑπερέχουσα	uperechousa	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG`	which surpasses	surpassing	which surpasses
`G5242-03`	1 Peter 2:13	ὑπερέχοντι	uperechonti	`V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG`	to the supreme authority	to the one surpassing	to the supreme authority

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