ὑπολείπω

Strong’s G5275: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with leipō (to leave), meaning to leave behind or remain. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to God’s preservation of a faithful remnant, emphasizing divine sovereignty in maintaining His people.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπολείπω (hypoleipō) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with λείπω (leipō, “to leave”), creating a term that describes what remains or is left behind. In Romans 11:3, Paul uses it in discussing God’s preservation of a faithful remnant, echoing Elijah’s experience. The early church saw this word as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in preserving His people through persecution and apostasy. Today, it continues to affirm God’s sovereign preservation of His church through all circumstances.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπολείπω, hypoleipō, hoop-o-LAY-po
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + lay (as in “lay”) + po (as in “po”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• λείπω (leipō) – verb meaning “to leave”
  Combined to mean “to leave behind”

D – Defining Meanings

• To leave remaining
• To preserve
• To reserve

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates preservation under protection
• λείπω contributes the concept of leaving or remaining

Translation Options:

• “Leave remaining” – emphasizes preservation
• “Reserve” – highlights divine purpose
• “Keep as remnant” – captures theological significance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταλείπω (kataleipō, kat-al-AY-po) – “to leave behind”
  See G2641
• περιλείπω (perileipō, per-ee-LAY-po) – “to remain over”
  See G4035
• σῴζω (sōzō, SODE-zo) – “to save, preserve”
  See G4982

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑπολείπω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Stative (Perfect)

Word morphing in English:

• Present: remains/is left
• Past: remained/was left
• Perfect: has remained/has been left
• Future: will remain/will be left

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons emphasize ὑπολείπω’s theological significance. BDAG highlights its use in contexts of divine preservation. Thayer’s connects it to Old Testament concepts of the remnant. LSJ traces its development in classical Greek. Vine’s emphasizes its passive voice usage implying divine action. Strong’s highlights its compound nature suggesting protected preservation. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal papyri regarding inheritance and preservation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 11:3: “‘Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am [ὑπολείπω] left, and they seek my life.’”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπολείπω powerfully expresses God’s faithfulness in preserving His people. Even in Elijah’s time of despair, God had preserved a remnant. The good news is that King Jesus continues to preserve His church, ensuring that His purposes will be accomplished despite opposition or apparent defeat. This word reminds us that our preservation depends not on our strength but on God’s faithful keeping.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient inheritance documents
• It influenced early Christian teaching about church preservation
• The concept connects to Old Testament remnant theology

Strong’s G5275: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with leipō (to leave), meaning to leave behind or remain. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to God’s preservation of a faithful remnant, emphasizing divine sovereignty in maintaining His people.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: remnant, preservation, faithfulness, divine protection, sovereignty, Elijah, church, persecution, survival, God’s faithfulness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​