ὑποζώννυμι
hypozṓnnymi
G5269 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To gird or bind underneath, specifically used of securing or strengthening from beneath; in nautical contexts, to pass ropes or cables under a ship to support or hold it together, particularly as a measure of protection during storms. By extension, may refer to giving underlying support or reinforcement in a non-literal sense.
Semantic Range
to gird from underneath, to bind underneath for support (esp. of ships), to frap (a nautical term), to strengthen or reinforce from below
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ὑπό (under, beneath) and the verb ζώννυμι (to gird, bind around). Thus, ὑποζώννυμι literally means 'to gird from underneath' or 'to bind up from under.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὑποζώννυμι is a technical and relatively rare verb in Koine Greek, principally attested in nautical contexts. Its primary historical usage, both in classical and post-classical sources, relates to the practice of 'undergirding' ships — passing ropes or cables under the hull of a vessel to stabilize it in rough seas or during storms, a procedure known as 'frapping.' The term appears in Hellenistic technical literature and is attested in Acts 27:17 in the New Testament, describing an emergency measure taken by sailors. This meaning is specific and not frequently encountered outside maritime contexts. English translations often generalize to 'secure' or 'undergird,' but these may obscure the specific nautical activity involved. The word has little to no attestation in non-nautical figurative senses in surviving Koine sources; thus, its meaning does not seem to have substantially broadened beyond the original technical sense. It contrasts with the more general ζώννυμι (to gird), which can refer to putting on a belt or preparing oneself in other ways.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὑπό and ζώννυμι; to gird under, i.e. frap (a vessel with cables across the keel, sides and deck):--undergirt.
Root Family
ὑποζώννυμι (hypozōnnymi) — to gird, to bind, to secure from underneath
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5269-01 |
ὑποζωννύντες | upozonnuntes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
undergirding | those girding underneath | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5269-01 |
Acts 27:17 | ὑποζωννύντες | upozonnuntes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
undergirding | those girding underneath |