ὕπαρξις
hýparxis
G5223 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
State of existence; that which exists, entity or being. In extended usage, means possessions or property, especially as what belongs to someone or is at one's disposal. In philosophical and abstract contexts, refers to the basic condition of being or reality. In more concrete, everyday contexts, it denotes one's goods, wealth, or material assets.
Semantic Range
existence, being, reality, possessions, property, material goods, wealth, means
Root / Etymology
From ὑπάρχω (to exist, to be present); ὕπαρξις is a derivative noun formed with the suffix -σις, indicating the state, condition, or result of the verb, thus "existence" or "that which exists."
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὕπαρξις primarily denoted 'existence' or 'being,' often in philosophical discourse (e.g., Aristotle, Stoic texts). In Hellenistic and Koine usage, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, the term shifts to also encompass the tangible aspect of 'possessions' or 'property,' emphasizing that which constitutes a person's means or goods (Luke 8:3, Hebrews 10:34). This movement from the abstract ('existence, reality') toward the concrete ('goods, substance') reflects a general pattern in Koine Greek, where metaphysical terms acquire practical meanings in everyday life. Standard English translations render the term as 'goods' or 'possessions' in many contexts but may overlook its older and broader sense of 'existence' or 'being.' Usage in philosophical contexts should not be automatically equated with the economic sense; context determines whether existence (ontological) or property (material possession) is intended.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὑπάρχω; existency or proprietorship, i.e. (concretely) property, wealth:--goods, substance.
Root Family
ὕπαρξις (hyparxis) — existence, being, that which exists, possessions, property
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5223-02 |
ὕπαρξιν | uparxin | N ACC F SG |
possession | existence | possession | 1 |
G5223-01 |
ὑπάρξεις | uparxeis | N ACC F PL |
possessions | possessions | possessions | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5223-01 |
Acts 2:45 | ὑπάρξεις | uparxeis | N ACC F PL |
possessions | possessions | possessions |
G5223-02 |
Hebrews 10:34 | ὕπαρξιν | uparxin | N ACC F SG |
possession | existence | possession |