Lexical Summary huperoché: Superiority, excellence, preeminence Original Word: ὑπεροχή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance authority, excellency. From huperecho; prominence, i.e. (figuratively) superiority (in rank or character) -- authority, excellency. see GREEK huperecho HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5247 hypero 5247 (hypero [5247 (hyperoxḗ) is properly "a projection (eminence), as the peak of a mountain; metaphorically, excellence, pre-eminence" (so also in Aristotle, A-S).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom huperechó Definition a projection, eminence NASB Translation authority (1), superiority (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5247: ὑπεροχήὑπεροχή, ὑπεροχῆς, ἡ (from ὑπέροχος, and this from ὑπερέχω, which see), properly, elevation, pre-eminence, superiority (properly, in Polybius, Plutarch, others); metaphorically, excellence (Plato, Aristotle, Polybius, Josephus, Plutarch, others): τῶν ἐν ὑπεροχή, namely, ὄντες (R. V. those that are in high place), of magistrates, 1 Timothy 2:2 (ἐν ὑπεροχή κεῖσθαι, to have great honor and authority, 2 Macc. 3:11); καθ' ὑπεροχήν λόγου ἡ σοφίας (A. V. with excellency of speech or of wisdom i. e.) with distinguished eloquence or wisdom, 1 Corinthians 2:1. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range A noun that denotes “prominence,” “pre-eminence,” or “position of surpassing rank.” Depending on context it can describe (1) outward eminence that commands respect, or (2) superior quality that might tempt human pride. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Corinthians 2:1 and 1 Timothy 2:2. The Spirit employs the same word to address two very different spheres—public preaching and civil governance—binding them together under one divine principle: authentic authority derives from God and must be exercised (or perceived) in humility. Authority and Governance (1 Timothy 2:2) Paul urges prayer “for kings and all those in authority” so believers may live “tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). Here the term describes governmental rank that stands “over” the populace. Submission is not blind allegiance but a recognition that God ordains social order (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17). Intercession for such leaders: • Affirms God’s sovereignty over political structures. Early Christian apologists (e.g., Justin Martyr, Tertullian) cited this verse to show the Empire that followers of Jesus were, by principle, loyal and peace-loving citizens who prayed for the emperor’s welfare. Excellence Versus Humble Proclamation (1 Corinthians 2:1) “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with superiority of speech or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1, lit. “excellence/superiority of word”). Corinth prized polished rhetoric; Paul purposely set aside oratorical display so the cross might rest on divine power, not human brilliance (1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:4–5). The word thus warns against: • Trusting clever presentation more than spiritual substance. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Prayer remains the believer’s first civic duty; protest and policy engagement are secondary to intercession. Historical-Theological Reflections The church’s posture toward worldly eminence changed drastically after Constantine, yet the apostolic ideal endures: honor governing “excellence” without idolizing it, and pursue rhetorical skill without overshadowing gospel simplicity. Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, though accomplished scholars, echoed Paul’s resolve that Scripture’s plain teaching outranks human eloquence. Related Concepts • Exousia (authority, power) – highlights delegated right, while our term stresses rank. Together they reveal a biblical tension: God grants ranks and gifts, yet calls His people to humility within them. Summary By using the same Greek term for civil pre-eminence and rhetorical superiority, the Spirit teaches that any form of “standing above” is legitimate only when it serves God’s purposes and points away from human glory toward the supremacy of Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Forms and Transliterations υπεροχη υπεροχή ὑπεροχῇ υπεροχην υπεροχήν ὑπεροχὴν υπερόψει hyperoche hyperochē hyperochêi hyperochē̂i hyperochen hyperochēn hyperochḕn uperoche uperochē uperochen uperochēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 2:1 N-AFSGRK: οὐ καθ' ὑπεροχὴν λόγου ἢ NAS: I did not come with superiority of speech KJV: not with excellency of speech or INT: not according to excellency of word or 1 Timothy 2:2 N-DFS Strong's Greek 5247 |
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