ὑπάγω

I go away, depart

Definition

The Greek verb ὑπάγω primarily means 'to go away, depart, or withdraw.' It often implies a purposeful movement away from a current location or situation, as when Jesus tells the healed paralytic to 'go home' (Matthew 9:6) or instructs a disciple to 'go and be reconciled' (Matthew 5:24). In some contexts, it carries the metaphorical sense of departing from life or dying, such as when Jesus tells his disciples he is 'going away' (John 8:21-22). It can also function as a command to dismiss someone or something, as seen when demons are commanded to 'go' into the pigs (Matthew 8:32).

Biblical Usage

ὑπάγω is used 77 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels, especially Matthew and John. It frequently appears in the imperative mood as a command from Jesus, directing individuals to perform an action (e.g., Matthew 8:4, 'go, show yourself to the priest'). In John's Gospel, it is often used in Jesus' discourses about his impending departure to the Father (e.g., John 14:28, 'I am going away'). The word is less common in the epistles, maintaining its core sense of physical or metaphorical departure.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ὑπό (hypo, meaning 'under') and the verb ἄγω (agō, meaning 'to lead' or 'to bring'). Literally, it suggests 'to lead under' or 'to bring away,' which evolved into the more general sense of 'to go away' or 'depart.' This compound form emphasizes a movement that is directed or purposeful.

Semantic Range

ὑπάγω is theologically significant as it is frequently on the lips of Jesus, marking key moments of obedience, mission, and his own destiny. His commands to 'go' initiate acts of healing, reconciliation, and witness, underscoring the active response required by faith. Most profoundly, Jesus' repeated statements about 'going away' (especially in John's Gospel) refer to his crucifixion, resurrection, and return to the Father, central to the doctrine of salvation and his heavenly ministry. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the purposeful movement inherent in Jesus' mission and the disciples' calling.

In the Greco-Roman world, a command to 'go' (ὑπάγω) from a figure of authority carried significant weight, implying an expectation of immediate obedience and action. This cultural nuance amplifies the force of Jesus' imperatives, which were not mere suggestions but authoritative directives for his followers. The term's use for departure in death was also a common euphemism in ancient literature.

πορεύομαι (poreuomai, G4198) — emphasizes the journey or process of going, often with a destination in mind. ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai, G565) — stresses the idea of going away from a point of origin, sometimes with a sense of finality. ἔρχομαι (erchomai, G2064) — the general word for 'to come' or 'to go,' focusing on movement without the specific nuance of departure inherent in ὑπάγω.

Word Details

Scripture References