ὑποκάτω
hupokatō
under
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ὑποκάτω (hupokatō) is a preposition used to indicate the concept of "under." Its primary meaning is a spatial relationship, suggesting something is positioned below or beneath something else. In the 11 instances of its use in the New Testament, ὑποκάτω conveys a sense of physical or literal placement. The word's usage varies in its application, often describing a position of vulnerability or subordination. For example, it is used to describe Christ's descent to the underworld during the harrowing of hell (Luke 23:43 and Ephesians 4:8), suggesting a lowering or positioning beneath. This usage implies a hierarchical or submissive relationship. Additionally, ὑποκάτω is used to describe the position of a person kneeling or crouching, as seen in Luke 10:39. In summary, ὑποκάτω is a preposition in Greek that signifies "under" as a spatial or relational concept. Its usage in the New Testament often highlights positions of vulnerability, subordination, or physical placement. This word provides insight into the biblical author's descriptions of space, movement, and relationships, shedding light on the social and physical contexts in which events unfolded.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
11 total occurrences across the text
‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?’
Mark 6:11Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”
Mark 7:28But she answered him, “Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Mark 12:36For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.” ’
Luke 8:16“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.
John 1:50Jesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!”
Hebrews 2:8You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t see all things subjected to him, yet.
Revelation 5:3No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book or to look in it.
Revelation 5:13I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!”
Revelation 6:9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had.
Revelation 12:1A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.