Greek word · G5281

ὑπομονή

hypomonē

perseverance

Endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, fortitude. Literally "a remaining under." It means holding firm under pressure, suffering or opposition, and sometimes patient expectation. In Greek moral writers it is a manly, courageous virtue, close to bravery. It is not passive resignation.

Appears 32 times in 31 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ὑπο-μονή, -ῆς, ἡ

(ὑπομένω) [in LXX for מִקְוֶה and cogn. forms; frequently in 4Mac ;]

1. a remaining behind (Arist.).

2. patient enduring, endurance: Luke 8:15 21:19, Romans 5:3-4 15:4-5, 2 Corinthians 6:4 12:12, Colossians 1:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 3:10, Titus 2:2, Hebrews 10:36, James 1:3-4 5:11, 2 Peter 1:6, Revelation 2:2-3, 19 13:10 14:12; δι᾽ ὑπομονῆς, Romans 8:25, Hebrews 12:1; with genitive of person(s), 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (ICC, in l), Revelation 3:10; with genitive of thing(s), Romans 2:7, 2 Corinthians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 1:3; before ἐν, Revelation 1:9.†

SYN.: see: μακροθυμία, and cf. Hort on James 1:3 (AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of James 1:3

Range of meaning

Endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, fortitude. Literally "a remaining under." It means holding firm under pressure, suffering or opposition, and sometimes patient expectation. In Greek moral writers it is a manly, courageous virtue, close to bravery. It is not passive resignation.

Against the English

BSB and NIV have "perseverance"; WEB, NASB and YLT "endurance"; ESV "steadfastness"; KJV "patience." The KJV word is the one that misleads today. Modern "patience" means calmly waiting or tolerating delay and annoyance, which is much milder than the Greek.

How it drifted

KJV's "patience" follows the Latin Vulgate's patientia, from pati, "to suffer." In 1611 "patience" still carried the sense of enduring suffering, as in "the patience of Job." Over time it has softened to the queue-and-traffic sense.

Used elsewhere in the period

4 Maccabees uses ὑπομονή repeatedly for the martyrs who hold out under torture (e.g. 1:11; 17:12, 17:17, 17:23). In the LXX it can mean hope or expectation (Psalm 9:19; 61:6). The Testament of Joseph 2:7 praises endurance in trials. James himself later points to "the ὑπομονή of Job" (5:11).

From the study of Revelation 2:3

Range of meaning

Literally 'remaining under'. It means holding your ground under pressure, steadfast endurance, perseverance under trial or persecution. It also carries an active sense of standing firm, not passive resignation. In apocalyptic writing it often goes with waiting faithfully for God to vindicate his people.

Against the English

KJV 'patience' and YLT 'endurance'. Modern 'patience' suggests calmly putting up with delay or irritation (waiting in a queue). That is far too small. BSB/WEB 'perseverance' and 'endured' are closer.

How it drifted

In 1611 'patience' still kept its Latin sense (patientia, from patior, 'to suffer'), meaning bearing suffering. Over time English narrowed it to calm waiting and good temper.

Used elsewhere in the period

4 Maccabees uses hypomonē for the martyrs who held out under torture (4 Macc 1:11; 9:8; 17:12, 17). The LXX uses it for hope and steadfast expectation (Ps 9:19; Job 14:19). Paul (Rom 5:3–4) and James (1:3–4) describe it as forged in trial. In Revelation it describes John himself (1:9) and the saints facing the beast (13:10; 14:12).

From the study of Romans 2:7

Range of meaning

From hypo ('under') + menō ('remain'): remaining under a load, holding out. Its meanings range from 'endurance, steadfastness, perseverance' under hardship to 'patient expectation' (BDAG). The core idea is resilience: not collapsing, not deserting one's post, carrying on through opposition or suffering.

Against the English

BSB/WEB/NASB 'perseverance' and NIV 'persistence' catch the active force. KJV 'patient continuance' and ESV 'patience' can suggest quiet waiting or a mild temper, which is too passive.

How it drifted

Latin patientia (Vulgate) meant 'endurance, the capacity to suffer' (from patior, 'to suffer'). Through English 'patience' it slowly came to mean calm tolerance of delay. KJV's 'patient continuance' was accurate in 1611 but now sounds softer than Paul meant.

Used elsewhere in the period

In 4 Maccabees (1st century AD) hypomonē is the defining virtue of Jewish martyrs who die rather than break God's law (4 Macc 1:11; 9:8; 17:12, 17, 23). Paul uses it for endurance in suffering that produces proven character and hope (Rom 5:3–4). Elsewhere in the NT it is the endurance of the faithful under persecution (Luke 8:15; Heb 10:36; Rev 2:2, 19; 13:10).

Where it appears

Luke · 2

  1. Luke 8:15 ὑπομονῇ.¶ perseverance.

    But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.

    Here: Staying power under pressure: holding your ground when tested. This answers the rocky-soil hearers who 'fall away in a time of testing' (v. 13), and it implies that a crop takes a full growing season.

  2. Luke 21:19 ὑπομονῇ patient endurance

    By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.

    Here: The power to stay put under pressure without giving way. In this setting that means holding firm in loyalty to Jesus while being handed over, put on trial, betrayed by family and killed. It is active staying power, not quiet waiting. It comes first in the Greek sentence for emphasis.

Romans · 6

  1. Romans 2:7 ὑπομονὴν endurance

    To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.

    Here: Staying power under pressure: holding one's ground and not giving up. Not calm waiting but stubborn, active persistence. It contrasts with the 'hard and unrepentant heart' of verse 5.

  2. Romans 5:3 ὑπομονὴν perseverance

    Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

    Here: Literally "remaining under": the staying power to hold your ground under a load without collapsing or deserting. It is active and brave, not mere calm waiting.

  3. Romans 5:4 ὑπομονὴ perseverance

    perseverance, character; and character, hope.

    Here: Literally "remaining under": holding your ground under a load without breaking or running. It is the product of affliction in verse 3, and here it becomes the thing that produces the next link. It is active and tough, not passive calm.

  4. Romans 8:25 ὑπομονῆς patience

    But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

    Here: Literally "remaining under": holding firm under a load of hardship without giving way. In context the load is "the sufferings of the present time" (v.18). It is active staying power, not calm passivity.

  5. Romans 15:4 ὑπομονῆς endurance

    For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

    Here: Literally "remaining under": holding your ground under a load and not giving way. It is active staying power, not passive waiting.

  6. Romans 15:5 ὑπομονῆς of endurance

    Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,

    Here: Holding your ground under pressure without giving up. 'God of endurance' means God is where that staying power comes from. It is not mainly a description of God's own patience.

2 Corinthians · 3

  1. 2 Corinthians 1:6 ὑπομονῇ [the] endurance

    If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.

    Here: Literally "remaining under" a load: staying firm under pressure instead of giving way. The comfort works by making them able to stand firm, not by lifting the weight off.

  2. 2 Corinthians 6:4 ὑπομονῇ endurance

    Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

    Here: Staying put under a load without breaking or running. This is the heading quality; the hardships that follow are what it endures.

  3. 2 Corinthians 12:12 ὑπομονῇ, perseverance,

    The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.

    Here: Staying under a load without giving way. It recalls the hardships Paul has just listed (11:23–29; 12:10). The miracles did not come with ease and prestige. They came in the middle of suffering that he endured.

Colossians · 1

  1. Colossians 1:11 ὑπομονὴν endurance

    being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully

    Here: Literally 'remaining under'. It is the staying power that holds its ground under pressure, hardship or opposition without giving way. It is courage that lasts, not a passive willingness to wait.

1 Thessalonians · 1

  1. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 ὑπομονῆς endurance

    and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': standing firm under a load without giving way. These believers were under real social hostility (1:6; 2:14; 3:3-4), so this is courage under pressure, not calm waiting.

2 Thessalonians · 2

  1. 2 Thessalonians 1:4 ὑπομονῆς perseverance

    That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under' a load. It is active staying power that does not quit, not a calm willingness to wait.

  2. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 ὑπομονὴν steadfastness

    May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': holding your ground under a heavy load instead of collapsing or running. This church is under persecution (1:4 uses the same word for their 'perseverance'), so this is courage under pressure, not passive patience.

1 Timothy · 1

  1. 1 Timothy 6:11 ὑπομονήν, endurance,

    But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': staying power under pressure, hardship and opposition. For Timothy that meant standing firm against false teachers and suffering.

2 Timothy · 1

  1. 2 Timothy 3:10 ὑπομονῇ, endurance,

    You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance,

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': holding your ground under pressure and suffering. It leads straight into verse 11's persecutions, which are the proof of it.

Titus · 1

  1. Titus 2:2 ὑπομονῇ.¶ in endurance.

    Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

    Here: Literally "remaining under": holding firm under pressure, hardship or suffering without giving way. It takes the place where "hope" usually stands in Paul's faith-love-hope triad, which suits old age: the long haul of staying faithful.

Hebrews · 2

  1. Hebrews 10:36 ὑπομονῆς Of endurance

    You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': holding your ground under pressure without giving way. The writer puts it first in the sentence for emphasis: endurance is what you need.

  2. Hebrews 12:1 ὑπομονῆς endurance

    Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

    Here: Staying power under strain, the refusal to quit. It picks up 10:36 ('you have need of endurance') and anticipates Jesus who 'endured' (hypemeinen) the cross in 12:2.

James · 3

  1. James 1:3 ὑπομονήν· endurance;

    because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

    Here: Literally "remaining under": the staying power to hold your ground under a load without collapsing or running. It is active and gritty, not calm waiting. Verse 4 picks it up again and makes it the subject of the next sentence.

  2. James 1:4 ὑπομονὴ endurance

    Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': the strength to stay put under a heavy load or pressure without giving way or running off. It is active staying power, not passive waiting.

  3. James 5:11 ὑπομονὴν perseverance

    See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

    Here: The noun form of the verb just used. It means staying in place under pressure and not giving up, more than quiet, uncomplaining waiting. It is placed first in its clause for emphasis.

2 Peter · 2

  1. 2 Peter 1:6 ὑπομονήν, ὑπομονῇ endurance,, endurance

    and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

    Here: Literally "remaining under": standing firm under pressure, hardship or delay without giving way. It is active staying power, not passive waiting.

Revelation · 7

  1. Revelation 1:9 ὑπομονῇ in endurance

    I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': staying firm and faithful under a load instead of escaping it. This is one of Revelation's key words for what is required of the churches (2:2–3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12).

  2. Revelation 2:2 ὑπομονήν endurance

    I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.

    Here: Holding your ground under pressure and refusing to give way. It is a key virtue in Revelation (1:9; 13:10; 14:12) and is repeated in the next verse.

  3. Revelation 2:3 ὑπομονὴν perseverance

    Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.

    Here: Staying put under pressure and not breaking. It picks up 'your endurance' from v.2 and now says they still have it. In Revelation this is the mark of the faithful under hostility (1:9; 13:10; 14:12).

  4. Revelation 2:19 ὑπομονήν perseverance

    I know your deeds—your love, your faith, your service, your perseverance—and your latest deeds are greater than your first.

    Here: Holding your ground under pressure without giving way. This is faithfulness kept up over time, a key virtue in Revelation (1:9; 13:10; 14:12).

  5. Revelation 3:10 ὑπομονῆς patient endurance

    Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

    Here: Holding your ground under pressure without giving way. In Revelation this is the mark of faithful believers who stand up to hostile powers (1:9; 13:10; 14:12).

  6. Revelation 13:10 ὑπομονὴ endurance

    “If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': holding firm under pressure without breaking or deserting. It is active staying power, not calm waiting.

  7. Revelation 14:12 ὑπομονὴ endurance

    Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

    Here: Literally 'remaining under': holding your ground under a heavy load and not slipping out from under it. This is a tough, active quality. It is not calm waiting.

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