Lexical Summary hupernikaó: To be more than conquerors, to overwhelmingly conquer Original Word: ὑπερνικάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to prevail completelyFrom huper and nikao; to vanquish beyond, i.e. Gain a decisive victory -- more than conquer. see GREEK huper see GREEK nikao HELPS Word-studies 5245 hypernikáō (from 5228 /hypér, "beyond" and 3528 /nikáō, "conquer") – properly, exceedingly conquer, being "more than a conqueror," i.e. "super-conqueror" who is "completely and overwhelmingly victorious" (L & N, 1, 39.58). 5245 (hypernikáō) is used only in Ro 8:37. [The intensive prefix (hyper) adds the idea, "surpassing victory" (i.e. of a pre-eminent conqueror).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom huper and nikaó Definition to be more than conqueror NASB Translation overwhelmingly conquer (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5245: ὑπερνικάωὑπερνικάω, ὑπερνίκω; (Cypriansupervinco); to be more than a conqueror, to gain a surpassing victory: Romans 8:37. (Leon. tactic. 14, 25 νικᾷ καί μή ὑπερνικα; Socrat. h. e. 3, 21 νικαν καλόν, ὑπερνικαν δέ σπιφθονον. Found in other ecclesiastical writings (Eusebius, h. e. 8, 14, 15, uses ὑπερεκνικαν.) Topical Lexicon Concept of Surpassing VictoryThe term translated “more than conquerors” in Romans 8:37 combines the common verb “to overcome” with an intensive prefix meaning “beyond, over, above.” The result is an image of victory so complete that the enemy is not merely subdued but rendered powerless to threaten the believer’s standing in Christ. This is not self-generated triumph; it is victory bestowed and sustained by God. Biblical Context: Romans 8:37 Romans 8:35–39 lists every conceivable adversary—“tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword.” After admitting their bitter reality, Paul declares, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). The phrase sits at the climax of a chapter that moves from “no condemnation” (8:1) to “no separation” (8:39). The believer’s “super-conquest” therefore spans justification, sanctification, and glorification, showing God’s saving purpose to be unbreakable from start to finish. Foundation of the Triumph 1. Union with Christ: The victory flows “through Him who loved us.” His death removes sin’s penalty (Romans 8:3); His resurrection breaks its power (8:11); His intercession guarantees final glorification (8:34). Theological Themes • Perseverance of the Saints: Because the victory is God’s, it is irreversible (Romans 8:30; Philippians 1:6). Historical Reception Early Church: Chrysostom celebrated Romans 8:37 when encouraging martyrs, stressing that suffering is the arena where surpassing victory shines. Reformation: Reformers cited the verse against the fear of ecclesiastical censure and political persecution, insisting that justification secures invincible standing. Modern Hymnody: Phrases like “more than conquerors” appear in hymns such as “Faith Is the Victory,” embedding the concept in congregational worship. Related Biblical Motifs • “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). These passages employ the simpler verb “overcome,” yet Romans 8:37 intensifies the thought, assuring believers not only of survival but of overwhelming, decisive conquest. Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Suffering: Believers do not deny hardship; they interpret it through the lens of Christ’s love, turning apparent defeat into demonstrated victory. Liturgical and Devotional Usage Romans 8:37 is frequently read in baptismal services, funerals, and celebrations of the Lord’s Supper, each context highlighting a facet of Christ’s conquest—over sin, death, and all cosmic powers. Personal devotion often pairs the verse with Psalms of victory (for example, Psalm 27; Psalm 118) to foster courageous faith. Living as “More Than Conquerors” Believers manifest this surpassing victory by enduring trials with joy, resisting sin with hope, and engaging the world with sacrificial love. The battle is real, yet the outcome is settled: Christ’s love guarantees a conquest that outstrips every threat, ensuring God’s eternal purpose prevails in those He has redeemed. Forms and Transliterations υπερνικωμεν υπερνικώμεν ὑπερνικῶμεν hypernikomen hypernikômen hypernikōmen hypernikō̂men upernikomen upernikōmenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |