ὑποφέρω

hypophérō

G5297 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To bear up under, to endure, especially with the nuance of sustaining or enduring hardship or suffering; more specifically, to remain firm in the face of difficulty or trial. In New Testament usage, often indicates the act of withstanding mental or physical pressure, persecution, or suffering.

Semantic Range

to bear from beneath, to endure hardship, to undergo suffering, to patiently endure, to withstand trials or persecution

Root / Etymology

From ὑπό (under, below) and φέρω (to bear, carry); thus, literally 'to bear from beneath' or 'to support underneath.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ὑποφέρω is not frequently attested but carries the sense of 'bearing' or 'supporting from beneath,' sometimes even in a physical sense. In the literature of the Koine period, especially in the New Testament (e.g., 2 Timothy 3:11), its meaning becomes more figurative, referring to emotional, psychological, or spiritual endurance, notably in contexts of persecution or hardship. This sense—'to endure' or 'undergo'—captures resilience in the face of adversity. English translations often use 'endure' or 'bear,' but the term emphasizes patient suffering or resolute forbearance rather than mere tolerance. Related terms include ὑπομένω ('to remain under, persevere'), but ὑποφέρω may carry slightly more vivid imagery of supporting a weight or carrying a burden from below.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑπό and φέρω; to bear from underneath, i.e. (figuratively) to undergo hardship:--bear, endure.

Root Family

ὑποφερ- (hypophérō) — to bear, to carry, to support from below

Root ὑποφερ- to bear, to carry, to support from below

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5297-01 ὑπήνεγκα upenegka V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I endured I bore up under I endured 1
G5297-02 ὑπενεγκεῖν upenegkein V AOR ACT INF to endure to bear up under to bear up under 1
G5297-03 ὑποφέρει upopherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG endures he/she/it bears up under bears up under 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5297-02 1 Corinthians 10:13 ὑπενεγκεῖν upenegkein V AOR ACT INF to endure to bear up under to bear up under
G5297-01 2 Timothy 3:11 ὑπήνεγκα upenegka V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I endured I bore up under I endured
G5297-03 1 Peter 2:19 ὑποφέρει upopherei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG endures he/she/it bears up under bears up under