ὑπήκοος

listening to, obedient

Definition

ὑπήκοος describes someone who listens attentively and responds with obedience. It carries the dual sense of being 'under the hearing'—paying close attention to a command or authority—and then acting in accordance with it. In Acts 7:39, it describes the Israelites who refused to be 'obedient' to Moses, highlighting a failure to listen and submit. In its most profound use, Philippians 2:8 describes Jesus as being 'obedient' to the point of death, emphasizing a complete, willing submission to the Father's will.

Biblical Usage

This adjective is used three times in the New Testament, always describing a posture toward authority. In Acts 7:39, it is used negatively of Israel's disobedience in the wilderness. In 2 Corinthians 2:9, Paul uses it positively to describe the desired obedience of the Corinthian church to his apostolic instruction. Its most significant usage is in the Christological hymn of Philippians 2:8, where it defines the nature of Christ's humble sacrifice.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ὑπό (hypo, meaning 'under') and the verb ἀκούω (akouō, meaning 'to hear'). It literally means 'under-hearing' or 'listening under,' picturing someone who listens attentively from a subordinate position, ready to respond. This root meaning clearly connects the act of hearing with the expected action of obedience.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant, especially in Philippians 2:8, where it defines Christ's incarnation and atoning work. His obedience is the perfect model of submission to God's will and is the antithesis of Adam's disobedience (Romans 5:19). Understanding this Greek term enriches our reading by showing that biblical obedience is not mere compliance but a posture of attentive, trusting submission that flows from listening to God.

In the Greco-Roman world, this term was used in contexts of military, household, and political hierarchy, describing the proper response of a subordinate to a superior. The biblical usage adopts this cultural understanding but often transforms it, as in Philippians 2, where the ultimate obedience is rendered in self-sacrificial love, not just social duty.

πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō, G3980) — emphasizes obeying a specific authority or command. ὑπακούω (hypakouō, G5219) — a more common verb for 'to obey,' focusing on the act of heeding. εὐήκοος (euēkoos, G1999) — means 'ready to hear' or 'compliant,' with a stronger emphasis on willingness.

Word Details

Scripture References