ὑπωπιάζω
hypōpiázō
G5299 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To strike under the eye, to give a black eye; by extension, to treat harshly or subject to severe discipline. In figurative contexts, to subdue, control rigorously, or bring into subjection (often referring to the body or one's desires). The term conveys both physical and metaphorical violence aimed at achieving control or dominance, especially in contexts of moral or self-discipline.
Semantic Range
to give a black eye, to strike under the eye (literally); to beat into submission, to treat harshly, to discipline strictly, to subdue or control (one's body or passions), to bring into rigorous subjection
Root / Etymology
From ὑπό (under) and a derivative of ὤψ (eye), thus literally signifying 'to strike under the eye.' The root is related to the concept of sight or the eye, combined with a prefix denoting place or position beneath.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὑπωπιάζω appears rarely, and when it does, it usually refers in a literal sense to delivering a blow beneath the eye, as in boxing. The New Testament (notably 1 Corinthians 9:27) extends its usage metaphorically: Paul uses the word to describe a rigorous form of self-discipline, likening his spiritual efforts to the harsh training of a boxer who subdues his body. This metaphor draws attention to self-control and the exertion of willpower over physical desires. The usage in the Septuagint is minimal or absent, and the term is rare outside of Hellenistic and Koine Greek literature. Traditional translations such as 'keep under' or 'subdue' may obscure the underlying image of violent struggle and do not fully convey the vividness of the term's origin. The figurative sense in the New Testament is thus best understood against the background of athletic and pugilistic competition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of ὑπό and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι; to hit under the eye (buffet or disable an antagonist as a pugilist), i.e. (figuratively) to tease or annoy (into compliance), subdue (one's passions):--keep under, weary.
Root Family
ὑπωπ- (hypōpiázō) — to strike under the eye, to bruise, to subdue
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5299-01 |
ὑπωπιάζῃ | upopiaze | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
she wear | he/she may subdue | she may strike | 1 |
G5299-02 |
ὑπωπιάζω | upopiazo | V PRS ACT IND 1P SG |
discipline | I bruise into submission | I discipline severely | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5299-01 |
Luke 18:5 | ὑπωπιάζῃ | upopiaze | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
she wear | he/she may subdue | she may strike |
G5299-02 |
1 Corinthians 9:27 | ὑπωπιάζω | upopiazo | V PRS ACT IND 1P SG |
discipline | I bruise into submission | I discipline severely |