ὑπηρετέω
hypēretéō
G5256 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act as an assistant or subordinate, to serve in a supporting role; specifically, to perform duties on behalf of another as an official assistant or attendant. The term often connotes rendering service according to explicit instructions or duties assigned by an authority, especially in formal, official, or cultic settings. In religious contexts, it may refer to fulfilling particular ministerial or procedural roles (such as reading in the synagogue), but is not inherently priestly or highly ranked.
Semantic Range
to act as an assistant, to fulfill a subordinate role, to serve in a formal or official capacity, to render service on behalf of another, to carry out assigned duties, to minister (esp. in formal, institutional, or religious contexts)
Root / Etymology
From ὑπηρέτης (hypēretēs, 'under-rower, assistant, attendant') plus the verbal ending -έω, forming an action verb indicating the performance of the role or service designated by the noun. The underlying root combines ὑπό ('under') and ἐρέτης ('rower'), originally referring to someone who rows in the lower tier of a trireme, hence, one under orders, an assistant or helper.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in both Classical and Koine Greek, ὑπηρετέω originally derives from the world of sea-faring (the servant-rower below deck). By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, its meaning had broadened beyond naval contexts to signify any subordinate assistance or service under authority—including administrative, civic, and especially religious service. In the New Testament and LXX, ὑπηρετέω is sometimes used for formal servanthood or ministerial functions (as in Acts 13:5 for synagogue service), but distinguishes itself from διακονέω: διακονέω often emphasizes service to need (esp. in practical or charitable acts), while ὑπηρετέω highlights fulfilling assigned duties as a subordinate within an official structure. English translations such as 'minister' or 'serve' may obscure these nuances, and the word does not necessarily imply religious office. No inherent implication of status, spiritual authority, or ecclesiastical office is present unless specified by context. The term is relatively rare compared to related verbs for 'serve.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὑπηρέτης; to be a subordinate, i.e. (by implication) subserve:--minister (unto), serve.
Root Family
ὑπηρετέω (hypēreteō) — to serve as an assistant, to perform duties, to act as a subordinate
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5256-03 |
ὑπηρετήσας | uperetesas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having served | having served as assistant | 1 |
G5256-02 |
ὑπηρέτησαν | uperetesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
ministered | they served as assistants | 1 |
G5256-01 |
ὑπηρετεῖν | uperetein | V PRS ACT INF |
to minister | to serve as an assistant | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5256-03 |
Acts 13:36 | ὑπηρετήσας | uperetesas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having served | having served as assistant |
G5256-02 |
Acts 20:34 | ὑπηρέτησαν | uperetesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
ministered | they served as assistants |
G5256-01 |
Acts 24:23 | ὑπηρετεῖν | uperetein | V PRS ACT INF |
to minister | to serve as an assistant |