Lexical Summary husteréma: Lack, deficiency, need, shortcoming Original Word: ὑστέρημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance need, wantFrom hustereo; a deficit; specially, poverty -- that which is behind, (that which was) lack(-ing), penury, want. see GREEK hustereo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5303 hystérēma (a neuter noun derived from 5302 /hysteréō, see there) – what is lacking (insufficient). See 5302 (hystereō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hustereó Definition that which is lacking, need NASB Translation lacking (1), need (3), needs (1), poverty (1), what is lacking (1), what was deficient (1), what was lacking (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5303: ὑστέρημαὑστέρημα, ὑστερήματος, τό (ὑστερέω); a. deficiency, that which is lacking: plural with a genitive of the thing whose deficiency is to be filled up, Colossians 1:24 (on which see ἀνταναπληρόω, and θλῖψις under the end); 1 Thessalonians 3:10; τό ὑστέρημα with a genitive (or its equivalent) of the person, the absence of one, 1 Corinthians 16:17 (ὑμέτερον being taken objectively (Winers Grammar, § 22, 7; Buttmann, § 132, 8); others take ὑμέτερον subjectively and render that which was lacking on your part); τό ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας, your absence, owing to which something was lacking in the service conferred on me (by you), Philippians 2:30. b. in reference to property and resources, poverty, want, destitution: Luke 21:4; 2 Corinthians 8:14 ( Strong’s Greek 5303 marks a condition of “lack” that Scripture consistently turns into an arena for God’s gracious provision. Whether material, relational, missional, or eschatological, every occurrence testifies that deficiency within Christ’s body invites divine sufficiency mediated through fellow believers. Spectrum of Material Lack Luke 21:4 sets the tone: the widow’s “poverty” (ὑστερήματος) highlights not just empty pockets but wholehearted trust. Paul echoes this in his itinerant ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:9 his “need” in Corinth is quietly met by Macedonian believers, teaching that kingdom economics reject self-promotion and celebrate unseen supporters. The offering for Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:14; 9:12) likewise treats surplus and shortage as fluid seasons under God’s sovereignty, urging local churches to hold resources loosely for the sake of distant saints: “Your abundance may supply their need, that there may be equality” (2 Corinthians 8:14). Relational Gaps in Ministry Partnership 1 Corinthians 16:17 shows Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus bridging the Corinthians’ absence: “they have supplied what was lacking from you”. Presence itself can remedy a deficit. Epaphroditus performs the same service for Philippi: “to make up for your service to me that was lacking” (Philippians 2:30). Ministry is never a one-man enterprise; representative messengers embody congregational love where the whole church cannot be. Communal Reciprocity and Equality The double use in 2 Corinthians 8:14 underscores a principle of rotation: today’s giver may be tomorrow’s receiver. The early assemblies practiced a Spirit-led mutuality distinct from enforced redistribution. Voluntary generosity showcased the gospel’s unifying power across geography and class. Suffering that Completes Colossians 1:24 offers the most provocative use: Paul “fill[s] up in [his] flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions.” The apostle does not suggest insufficiency in the atonement; rather, the ongoing proclamation of the cross necessarily entails fresh sufferings as the message advances. Each generation of witnesses “completes” the appointed measure of messianic affliction while displaying the Savior’s self-giving pattern. Pastoral Concern for Maturing Faith In 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul prays “to supply what is lacking in your faith.” Here the deficit is doctrinal and devotional, not financial. Apostolic teaching, face-to-face, fortifies believers against persecution and error. Sound instruction is as essential as bread. Implications for Stewardship and Generosity The word group exposes two errors: hoarding surplus and despising need. The Spirit knits believers into a living network of supply lines where giving is worship (2 Corinthians 9:12), poverty is honored when surrendered to God (Luke 21:4), and equality is pursued without coercion (2 Corinthians 8:14). Leaders model transparency about their own needs (2 Corinthians 11:9) while trusting the Lord to stir hearts. Eschatological Confidence Because every lack is temporary, Christians hold possessions and even suffering in open hands. Final wholeness is guaranteed; meanwhile God appoints strategic insufficiencies to train faith, galvanize fellowship, and magnify Christ’s adequacy. Summary Strong’s 5303 traces a red thread of holy deficiency turned to blessing. Material shortages, ministry gaps, prolonged afflictions, and immature faith all become opportunities for Christ to display His fullness through His people until the day when nothing will be lacking. Englishman's Concordance Luke 21:4 N-GNSGRK: ἐκ τοῦ ὑστερήματος αὐτῆς πάντα NAS: into the offering; but she out of her poverty put KJV: of her penury hath cast in all INT: out of the poverty of her all 1 Corinthians 16:17 N-ANS 2 Corinthians 8:14 N-ANS 2 Corinthians 8:14 N-ANS 2 Corinthians 9:12 N-ANP 2 Corinthians 11:9 N-ANS Philippians 2:30 N-ANS Colossians 1:24 N-ANP 1 Thessalonians 3:10 N-ANP Strong's Greek 5303 |
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