"to hold above; intrans. to stand out above, to overtop; met. to surpass, excel, Phil. 2:3; 4:7; τὸ ὑπερέχον, excellence, preeminence, Phil. 3:8; to be higher, superior, Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13*"
Definition and meaning
to hold above; intrans. to stand out above, to overtop; met. to surpass, excel, Phil. 2:3; 4:7; τὸ ὑπερέχον, excellence, preeminence, Phil. 3:8; to be higher, superior, Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὑπερέχω
Historical context
Paul wrote Romans from Corinth, one of the most important commercial cities in the empire. Rome had a Jewish population of around 50,000. The letter addresses real tensions between Jewish believers with centuries of Torah tradition and Gentile believers with no such background. Emperor Nero was on the throne. Within ten years he would execute both Paul and Peter.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of hyperecho (G5242) across the King James Bible.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
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Common questions
Strong's G5242 (hyperecho) is a Greek word that means: to hold above; intrans. to stand out above, to overtop; met. to surpass, excel, Phil. 2:3; 4:7; τὸ ὑπερέχον, excellence, preeminence, Phil. 3:8; to be higher, superior, Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word hyperecho (G5242) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5242 is hyperecho, a Greek word defined as: to hold above; intrans. to stand out above, to overtop; met. to surpass, excel, Phil. 2:3; 4:7; τὸ ὑπερέχον, excellence, preeminence, Phil. 3:8; to be. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hyperecho is a Greek word found in the New Testament.