Lexical Summary hupostrephó: To return, to turn back Original Word: ὑποστρέφω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance return, come back again. From hupo and strepho; to turn under (behind), i.e. To return (literally or figuratively) -- come again, return (again, back again), turn back (again). see GREEK hupo see GREEK strepho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and strephó Definition to turn back, return NASB Translation return (6), returned (22), returning (3), started back (1), turn away (1), turned back (1), went back (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5290: ὑποστρέφωὑποστρέφω; imperfect ὑπέστρεφον; future ὑποστρέψω; 1 aorist ὑπέστρεψα; from Homer down; the Sept. for שׁוּב; 1. transitive, to turn back, to turn about: as ἵππους, Homer, Iliad 5, 581. 2. intransitive, to turn back i. e. to return: absolutely, Mark 14:40 (here L WH πάλιν ἐλθών Tr ἐλθών); Luke 2:20 (here Rec. ἐπέστρεψαν), The word describes a movement back to an origin or starting point, whether that point is geographical, relational, or spiritual. Across the New Testament the action signals completion, confirmation, or reconsideration of an encounter with the Lord and His truth. Distribution in Scripture Luke-Acts accounts for more than three-quarters of the occurrences, underscoring the author’s interest in journeys that both begin and end under divine direction. The remaining uses (Galatians 1:17; Hebrews 7:1; 2 Peter 2:21) widen the field to Paul’s autobiography, Old-Testament typology, and apostolic warning. Return in the Earthly Ministry of Jesus 1. Confirmation of Revelation 2. Joy-Filled Obedience 3. Post-Resurrection Worship Return in Discipleship and Mission Repeated journeys in Acts emphasize perseverance rather than retreat: Return and Apostolic Biography Galatians 1:17 records Paul’s “return to Damascus” after his Arabian sojourn, presenting a deliberate withdrawal from Jerusalem’s influence so his commission comes solely from Christ. The verb highlights intentional distance from human endorsement until the Lord’s timing requires public ministry. Old-Testament Echoes and Redemptive History Hebrews 7:1 recalls Abraham “returning from the slaughter of the kings,” where Melchizedek meets and blesses him. The verb anchors the Messianic priesthood in a historical victory that prefigures Christ’s definitive triumph. Return as Warning 2 Peter 2:21 employs the verb for apostasy: those who “turn back from the holy commandment” demonstrate knowledge without obedience. Similarly, Luke 11:24 depicts an unclean spirit’s menace: “I will return to the house I left.” In both cases the movement back leads to greater judgment, contrasting with faith-filled return. Pastoral and Devotional Significance 1. Spiritual Rhythm The disciples’ pattern—go out in obedience, return in worship—encourages believers to balance service with renewed communion in the presence of the Lord. 2. Assurance of Fulfilled Promise Returns after angelic announcements, healings, and the Ascension confirm that divine words never fail, inviting modern readers to trust and testify. 3. Persevering Shepherding Apostolic returns to fledgling churches urge leaders today to revisit, strengthen, and admonish congregations rather than abandon them to infancy. 4. Sobering Caution The possibility of turning back from truth calls for vigilance, dependence on grace, and accountability within the body of Christ. Conclusion Every use of Strong’s 5290 accents the faithfulness of God who guides His people out and safely home—or, in the case of the rebellious, allows a tragic reversal. Whether celebratory, strategic, or cautionary, each return furthers the unfolding plan of redemption revealed in Scripture. Englishman's Concordance Luke 1:56 V-AIA-3SGRK: τρεῖς καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς τὸν NAS: months, and [then] returned to her home. KJV: months, and returned to her own INT: three and returned to the Luke 2:20 V-AIA-3P Luke 2:43 V-PNA Luke 2:45 V-AIA-3P Luke 4:1 V-AIA-3S Luke 4:14 V-AIA-3S Luke 7:10 V-APA-NMP Luke 8:37 V-AIA-3S Luke 8:39 V-PMA-2S Luke 8:40 V-PNA Luke 9:10 V-APA-NMP Luke 10:17 V-AIA-3P Luke 11:24 V-FIA-1S Luke 17:15 V-AIA-3S Luke 17:18 V-APA-NMP Luke 19:12 V-ANA Luke 23:48 V-IIA-3P Luke 23:56 V-APA-NFP Luke 24:9 V-APA-NFP Luke 24:33 V-AIA-3P Luke 24:52 V-AIA-3P Acts 1:12 V-AIA-3P Acts 8:25 V-IIA-3P Acts 8:28 V-PPA-NMS Acts 12:25 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 5290 |
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