ὑπεράνω
hyperánō
G5231 preposition
SILEX Entry
Definition
Located above or higher than, either in spatial position or in status/rank; can denote surpassing or excelling, especially in terms of authority, dignity, or excellence. In spatial contexts, refers to something that is physically situated above; in metaphorical or hierarchical contexts, denotes superiority or preeminence over others or over a standard.
Semantic Range
far above (spatial), above (rank), greatly higher (degree), surpassing, preeminent, excelling
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition ὑπέρ ('over, above') and the adverb ἄνω ('up, upward'). Both are ancient Greek prepositions/adverbs, combined here to strengthen the sense of being above, usually spatially or metaphorically.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὑπεράνω occurs rarely in extant Greek literature, but is present in the New Testament (e.g., Ephesians 1:21; 4:10) and some early Christian texts, mainly in spatial and metaphorical uses. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, the two parts (ὑπέρ + ἄνω) are attested separately, but the compound form expresses a heightened sense of being 'far above' or 'well beyond'. In New Testament usage, ὑπεράνω can refer to being exalted over all other beings or positions (e.g., Christ above all rule or authority), blending spatial and honorific senses. Traditional English translations such as 'far above', 'over', or 'exalted above' attempt to reflect this, but may understate the intensifying effect of the compound. The word carries no intrinsic religious significance, but is commonly employed in cosmological or hierarchical descriptions in Koine Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὑπέρ and ἄνω; above upward, i.e. greatly higher (in place or rank):--far above, over.
Root Family
ὑπερ-, ἀν- (hyperánō) — above, over, upward, higher than
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5231-01 |
ὑπεράνω | uperano | PREP GEN |
far above | high above | high above | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5231-01 |
Ephesians 1:21 | ὑπεράνω | uperano | PREP GEN |
far above | high above | far above |
G5231-01 |
Ephesians 4:10 | ὑπεράνω | uperano | PREP GEN |
far above | high above | high above |
G5231-01 |
Hebrews 9:5 | ὑπεράνω | uperano | PREP GEN |
above it | high above | high above |