ὑποχωρέω
hypochōréō
G5298 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To withdraw, retire, or step aside from a place or position in a deliberate but non-violent or non-confrontational manner. The core meaning is purposeful movement away from a situation, often for the sake of discretion, avoidance of conflict, or yielding space. Contextually, it can refer to literal physical withdrawal, such as leaving a location, or to a metaphorical yielding or giving way.
Semantic Range
to withdraw (physically), to depart quietly, to retire from involvement, to give ground (literally or figuratively), to make way for another
Root / Etymology
From ὑπό (under, beneath) and χωρέω (to make room, to go). The compound emphasizes movement away or stepping down to a lower or less prominent position. Related to χωρέω, whose semantic field involves movement, room, or space.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὑποχωρέω is attested in contexts of retreat, particularly in military usage for troops withdrawing from a position. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term maintains the sense of stepping back, going aside, or retiring discreetly. It does not imply cowardice or defeat, but rather a deliberate and sometimes prudent withdrawal, whether from a location or from involvement. In New Testament usage (cf. Luke 5:16), it connotes Jesus' practice of withdrawing from crowds, emphasizing discretion or seeking solitude. English translations tend to use "withdraw," but this can obscure nuances such as a voluntary strategic retreat or stepping aside for another's benefit. The word is less about vacating in the sense of abandonment and more about an intentional, often temporary, movement aside or back, typically without confrontation or drama. Contrasts with terms like ἀναχωρέω (to retreat) or ἀποχωρέω (to depart), which may indicate more permanent or general departure.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὑπό and χωρέω; to vacate down, i.e. retire quietly:--go aside, withdraw self.
Root Family
ὑποχωρ- (hypochōréō) — to step back, to withdraw, to give way
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5298-01 |
ὑπεχώρησεν | upechoresen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he withdrew | he withdrew | he withdrew | 1 |
G5298-02 |
ὑποχωρῶν | upochoron | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
withdrawing | withdrawing | withdrawing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences