Greek Word Study | 5278: endure (hupomeno)

See also hupomone (5281), a derivative of hupomeno.

Used 17 times in the New Testament:

• Endure, endured, endures: 14
• Patient: 1
• Stayed behind: 1
• Stayed on: 1

Hupomeno literally means "to remain under."  For the Christian, it means to remain Christlike under pressure.

The Complete Word Study Dictionary says, "A combination of two Greek words: hupo (5259), under, and meno (3306), to remain.  To remain under, i.e., to persevere endure, sustain, bear up under, suffer, as a load of miseries, adversities, persecutions or provocations with faith."

The New Strong’s Dictionary says it literally means to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively it means to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere.

Vine’s Dictionary says it “signifies ‘to remain in a place instead of leaving it, to stay behind; or ‘to persevere’; or ‘to endure bravely and trustfully.’”

Vine’s N.T. Word Pictures says it means “to abide under, to bear up courageously (under suffering).’  It has its other significance, ‘to tarry, wait for, await.’” 

Thayer says it means “a. to persevere: absolutely and emphatically, under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ; b. to endure, bear bravely and calmly.”

The New International Encyclopedia of Bible Words (Zondervan) says it means “to patiently endure”… Perseverance is overcoming difficulties: it is facing pressures and trials that call for a steadfast commitment to doing right and maintaining a godly life.”

Mounce’s says hupomeno may mean to “endure, stand firm, persevere.  As a weight lifter bears up under the weight of the bar, one perseveres under trouble or affliction.”

Mounce’s says hupomeno “can refer to maintaining a conviction or action in the face of opposition and thus ‘endure’ or ‘stand firm.’”

The Septuagint used hupomeno to translate the Hebrew word for "wait."  In other words, hupomeno means to wait for the Lord.  

1. Ps 25:3 “No one who waits for you will be disgraced.”
2. Ps 25:5 “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; I wait for you all day long.”
3. Ps 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous.  Wait for the Lord.”

Jesus is the best example.  He endured (hupomeno) the cross (Heb 12:2-3).  He didn’t run from the cross.  He didn’t jump down from the cross.  He didn’t complain about the cross.  He didn’t sin while on the cross.

See also hupomone (5281), a derivative of hupomeno.