"a shortcoming, defect; personal shortcoming, 1 Cor. 16:17; Phil. 2:30; Col. 1:24; 1 Thess. 3:10; want, need, poverty, penury, Lk. 21:4; 2 Cor. 8:14; 9:12; 11:9*"
Definition and meaning
a shortcoming, defect; personal shortcoming, 1 Cor. 16:17; Phil. 2:30; Col. 1:24; 1 Thess. 3:10; want, need, poverty, penury, Lk. 21:4; 2 Cor. 8:14; 9:12; 11:9*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὑστέρημα
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
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 hysterema (G5303) across the King James Bible.
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
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Common questions
Strong's G5303 (hysterema) is a Greek word that means: a shortcoming, defect; personal shortcoming, 1 Cor. 16:17; Phil. 2:30; Col. 1:24; 1 Thess. 3:10; want, need, poverty, penury, Lk. 21:4; 2 Cor. 8:14; 9:12; 11:9* It appears 8 times in the King James Bible.
The word hysterema (G5303) appears 8 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5303 is hysterema, a Greek word defined as: a shortcoming, defect; personal shortcoming, 1 Cor. 16:17; Phil. 2:30; Col. 1:24; 1 Thess. 3:10; want, need, poverty, penury, Lk. 21:4; 2 Cor. 8:14; 9. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hysterema is a Greek word found in the New Testament.