ὑπερεῖδον

I overlook

Definition

The verb ὑπερεῖδον means to overlook, disregard, or pass over without taking notice. In its primary sense, it describes a deliberate choice to ignore or not to act upon something that has been observed. In the New Testament, this meaning is applied specifically to God's forbearance toward human sin in the past. The key passage, Acts 17:30, uses it to explain that God 'overlooked' the times of ignorance, not in the sense of being unaware, but in withholding immediate judgment, thus demonstrating His patience and making way for the proclamation of the gospel.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 17:30. It appears in Paul's speech at the Areopagus, where he explains God's relationship to humanity. The context is theological and historical, describing God's past dealings with human sin prior to the clear revelation in Christ. The usage is specific to divine action, not human behavior.

Etymology

Derived from the combination of the preposition ὑπέρ (hyper), meaning 'over' or 'above,' and the verb εἶδον (eidon), the aorist form of ὁράω (horaō), meaning 'to see.' Thus, it literally means 'to look over' or 'to see over,' which developed the figurative sense of seeing but choosing to disregard or pass by.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes God's patient forbearance. In Acts 17:30, it underscores the doctrine of God's mercy and long-suffering in history. He did not immediately punish all sin in the past ('the times of ignorance'), which demonstrates His grace and provides an opportunity for repentance. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that God's 'overlooking' was a temporary, purposeful act of restraint, not indifference or approval, leading to the decisive call to repentance in Christ.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a deity 'overlooking' offenses could be understood as capriciousness or neglect. Paul redefines this in a biblical framework, presenting it not as divine indifference but as a specific period of patient forbearance rooted in God's justice and mercy, setting the stage for the universal call to repentance through Jesus.

παροράω (paroraō, G3867) — to overlook or neglect, often with a connotation of careless disregard. ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, G863) — to forgive, release, or leave alone; focuses on the act of sending away or remitting rather than the initial act of seeing and passing over.

Word Details

Scripture References