Lexical Summary hupeikó: To yield, to submit, to give way Original Word: ὑπείκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance submit, yield From hupo and eiko (to yield, be "weak"); to surrender -- submit self. see GREEK hupo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and eikó (to yield) Definition to retire, withdraw, submit NASB Translation submit (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5226: ὑπείκωὑπείκω; from Homer down; to resist no longer, but to give way, yield (properly, of combatants); metaphorically, to yield to authority and admonition, to submit: Hebrews 13:17. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Range Strong’s 5226 conveys the idea of yielding or giving way. It focuses less on blind obedience and more on a willing, inward readiness to defer when godly authority is exercised for the believer’s good. Whereas other New Testament words for “submit” (such as hupotassō) stress ordered arrangement, this verb highlights the personal, voluntary posture of compliance that springs from trust. Biblical Usage Only occurrence: Hebrews 13:17. The author couples it with “Obey your leaders,” assigning to church members both attentive listening and heartfelt yielding. The two commands stand together, showing that biblical submission is inseparable from the recognition that shepherds “keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). Theological Significance 1. Christ-Centered Shepherding: The term presumes that ultimate authority lies with Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Earthly leaders serve under Him; therefore, yielding to them is, in a mediated sense, yielding to Christ’s order for His church. Historical Context Early Christian congregations emerged in a milieu suspicious of new sects, facing external pressures and internal diversity. Seasoned leaders (often elders appointed by apostles or their delegates) guarded orthodoxy and communal charity. The exhortation to “yield” would have defused potential fracturing, encouraging cohesion without coercion. Patristic writings reflect similar concerns—as in Ignatius of Antioch’s appeals to honor overseers—showing the verb’s concept alive in post-apostolic practice. Relationship to Other Biblical Terms • Hupotassō (Strong’s 5293): hierarchical submission; structural. Together they portray a full-orbed obedience that is informed, willing, and relational. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Leadership Style: Elders are exhorted to avoid lording it over the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Yielding presupposes servant-leadership marked by Scripture-saturated instruction, transparent integrity, and intercessory care. Reflections for Today In an age that prizes individual autonomy, Hebrews 13:17 calls the church to embody countercultural mutual submission. Yielding, as captured by Strong’s 5226, nurtures unity, safeguards doctrine, and magnifies Christ’s headship. Where leaders are faithful and members responsive, the church advances “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40), shining a credible witness before the world. Forms and Transliterations υπεικετε υπείκετε ὑπείκετε hypeikete hypeíkete upeiketeLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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