ὑπεροχή (G5247) — Greek Lexicon

ὑπεροχή

hyperochḗ

G5247 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The state or quality of rising above or surpassing others; primarily denotes prominence, distinction, or superiority. In specific contexts, may refer to a high position, authority, dignity, or excellence of character. Semantic range includes both literal elevation (a prominent place) and figurative elevation (superiority, eminence, authority, excellence).

Semantic Range

prominence, superiority, eminence, high position, authority, excellence, distinction, prominence of place or rank

Root / Etymology

From the verb ὑπερέχω ('to rise above, surpass, excel'), itself formed from the preposition ὑπέρ ('over, above') and ἔχω ('to have, hold'). Thus, ὑπεροχή comes from a verbal idea of 'having over' or 'holding above.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὑπεροχή frequently denotes physical elevation (a projecting point, summit, promontory) or metaphorically a prominent place or superiority. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, its meaning expands metaphorically to include superiority in social rank, personal excellence, or authority. In the Septuagint, ὑπεροχή may render terms for prestige or prominence. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Tim 2:2), it refers to persons in high position or dignity, usually civil or political authorities; English versions often render it as 'authority' or 'high office,' but this does not always capture the nuance of 'eminence' or 'preeminence.' Distinct from related terms like ἐξουσία ('authority, power, right'), which stresses legal or delegated power, and δόξα ('glory'), which often signals honor or reputation. ὑπεροχή emphasizes standing above others, whether physically, socially, or morally.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑπερέχω; prominence, i.e. (figuratively) superiority (in rank or character):--authority, excellency.

Root Family

ὑπεροχή (hyperochē) — prominence, superiority, eminence, high position

Root ὑπεροχ- to rise above, to surpass, to be eminent

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5247-02`	ὑπεροχὴν	uperochen	`N ACC F SG`	superiority	eminence	eminence	1
`G5247-01`	ὑπεροχῇ	uperoche	`N DAT F SG`	authority	in prominence	prominence	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5247-02`	1 Corinthians 2:1	ὑπεροχὴν	uperochen	`N ACC F SG`	superiority	eminence	eminence
`G5247-01`	1 Timothy 2:2	ὑπεροχῇ	uperoche	`N DAT F SG`	authority	in prominence	prominence

← G5246 Greek Lexicon G5248 →