Original Word: ὑπερέχω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: huperechó
Pronunciation: hoo-per-ekh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-er-ekh'-o)
KJV: better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme
NASB: authority, governing, more important, surpasses, surpassing value
Word Origin: [from G5228 (ὑπέρ - behalf) and G2192 (ἔχω - have)]

1. to hold oneself above
2. (figuratively) to excel
3. (participle as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority

surpass, rise above

From huper and echo; to hold oneself above, i.e. (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority -- better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme.

see GREEK huper

see GREEK echo

5242 hyperéxō (from 5228 /hypér, "beyond, above" and 2192/exō, "have") – properly, "have beyond, i.e. be superior, excel, surpass" (A-S); to exercise prominence (superiority).

Word Origin
from huper and echó
Definition
to hold above, to rise above, to be superior
NASB Translation
authority (1), governing (1), more important (1), surpasses (1), surpassing value (1).

STRONGS NT 5242: ὑπερέχω

ὑπερέχω; from Homer down;

1. transitive, to have or hold over one (as τήν χεῖρα, of a protector, with a genitive of the person protected; so in Greek writings from Homer down; Josephus, Antiquities 6, 2, 2).

2. intransitive, to stand out, rise above, overtop (so properly, first in Homer Iliad 3, 210); metaphorically,

a. to be above, be superior in rank, authority, power: βασιλεῖ ὡς ὑπεχοντι (A. V. as supreme), 1 Peter 2:13; ἐξουσία ὑπερεχουσαι, of magistrates (A. V. higher powers), Romans 13:1 (οἱ ὑπερεχοντες, substantively, the prominent men, rulers, Polybius 28, 4, 9; 30, 4, 17; of kings, Sap 6:6).

b. to excel, to be superior: τίνος, better than (cf. Buttmann, § 132, 22), Philippians 2:3 (Sir. 36:7; Xenophon, venta 1, 11; Plato, Menex., p. 237d.; Demosthenes, p. 689, 10; Diodorus 17, 77); to surpass: τινα or τί (cf. Buttmann, § 130, 4), Philippians 4:7; τό ὑπερέχον, a substantive, the excellency, surpassing worth (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 34, 2), Philippians 3:8.

Overview

Strong’s Greek 5242 conveys the idea of something standing above the ordinary—an excellence or authority that rises higher than what surrounds it. In the New Testament its five occurrences cover three broad spheres: the surpassing worth of Christ, the humble valuation of others, and the superior rank of civil authorities. Each usage enriches Christian theology and practice by calling believers to recognize what truly excels and to respond accordingly.

Surpassing Worth of Christ (Philippians 3:8)

Paul testifies: “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). The term underscores that Christ’s value exceeds every religious credential, accomplishment, or earthly possession. Historically, this statement confronted both Jewish legalism and Greco-Roman honor culture, declaring an allegiance that rendered traditional status symbols “rubbish.” For ministry today, it reorients priorities—discipleship centers on relationship with Christ, not on résumé, reputation, or ritual.

Humility and Deference within the Body (Philippians 2:3)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Here the term moves from vertical to horizontal. By urging believers to regard fellow saints as “surpassing,” Paul dismantles the rivalry that plagued Philippi and many congregations since. Theologically, it flows from the Christ-hymn that follows (Philippians 2:5-11): the One who is objectively supreme took the form of a servant, setting the pattern for mutual submission. Pastors and leaders can employ this verse to cultivate servant leadership, conflict resolution, and a culture where gifts are celebrated without competition.

Peace that Surpasses Understanding (Philippians 4:7)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Here the term describes God’s peace as higher than human reasoning. Historically, Stoic philosophers prized ataraxia (tranquility), yet Paul promises something greater—divine peace that not only calms but also “guards.” In counseling and pastoral care, this verse offers hope against anxiety: prayerful dependence ushers in a supernatural safeguard beyond psychological techniques alone.

Divinely Ordained Civil Authority (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13)

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1); “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority, whether to the king as the supreme authority” (1 Peter 2:13). In both texts the term identifies rulers occupying a position higher in societal order. Paul writes under Nero; Peter likely does the same. Their exhortation does not endorse every governmental act but affirms that the concept of ordered authority is God-given. This balances the believer’s heavenly citizenship with earthly responsibility. Historically, these verses shaped early Christian interaction with Rome and later informed Reformation and modern discussions on civil obedience and conscientious resistance.

Theological Trajectory

1. Christ’s unsurpassed worth anchors Christian identity.
2. Recognition of true supremacy cultivates humility toward others.
3. The transcendent peace of God protects the inner life.
4. Submission to higher authorities reflects trust in God’s sovereignty.

Each occurrence moves from Christ (vertical), to community (horizontal), to society (external), portraying a comprehensive discipleship that honors what God declares “above.”

Ministry Applications

• Preaching: contrast earthly gains with the excellence of knowing Christ.
• Discipleship: train believers to esteem others above themselves, fostering unity.
• Pastoral Care: guide anxious hearts to seek the peace that transcends cognition.
• Civic Engagement: encourage respectful participation in public life while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God.

Historical Reflection

In the Greco-Roman world, status and rank were paramount. By employing a term of superiority, the apostles subverted cultural norms: ultimate supremacy belongs to Christ; honor is given through humble service; true authority is accountable to God. This perspective shaped early Christian resilience under persecution and continues to guide the church amid shifting political landscapes.

Conclusion

Strong’s 5242 consistently directs attention upward—toward Christ’s incomparable value, toward placing others ahead of self, and toward recognizing God-ordained structures. Embracing what excels reorders life, brings peace, and manifests a kingdom ethic that testifies to the gospel’s transformative power.

υπερείχον υπερέξει υπερέξω υπερέχει υπερεχον υπερέχον ὑπερέχον υπερεχοντας υπερέχοντας ὑπερέχοντας υπερεχοντι υπερέχοντι ὑπερέχοντι υπερέχοντος υπερεχουσα υπερέχουσα ὑπερέχουσα υπερεχουσαις υπερεχούσαις ὑπερεχούσαις υπερηφανεύεσθαι υπερηφανεύσαντο υπερηφανεύσασθαι υπερηφανεύσατο υπερηφάνησαν hyperechon hyperéchon hyperechontas hyperéchontas hyperechonti hyperéchonti hyperechousa hyperéchousa hyperechousais hyperechoúsais uperechon uperechontas uperechonti uperechousa uperechousaisInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts