"pr. to let down, to stow away; to draw back, withdraw, Gal. 2:12; mid. to shrink back, recoil, Heb. 10:38; to keep back, suppress, conceal, Acts 20:20, 27*"
Definition and meaning
pr. to let down, to stow away; to draw back, withdraw, Gal. 2:12; mid. to shrink back, recoil, Heb. 10:38; to keep back, suppress, conceal, Acts 20:20, 27*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὑποστέλλω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 hypostello (G5288) across the King James Bible.
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
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Common questions
Strong's G5288 (hypostello) is a Greek word that means: pr. to let down, to stow away; to draw back, withdraw, Gal. 2:12; mid. to shrink back, recoil, Heb. 10:38; to keep back, suppress, conceal, Acts 20:20, 27* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word hypostello (G5288) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5288 is hypostello, a Greek word defined as: pr. to let down, to stow away; to draw back, withdraw, Gal. 2:12; mid. to shrink back, recoil, Heb. 10:38; to keep back, suppress, conceal, Acts 20:20. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hypostello is a Greek word found in the New Testament.