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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Romans 5:6 - 5:6
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For the ungodly (ὑπὲρ ἀσεβῶν)
It is much disputed whether ὑπέρ on behalf of, is ever equivalent to ἀντί instead of. The classical writers furnish instances where the meanings seem to be interchanged. Thus Xenophon: “Seuthes asked, Wouldst thou, Episthenes, die for this one (ὑπὲρ τούτου)?” Seuthes asked the boy if he should smite him (Episthenes) instead of him (ἀντ' ἐκείνου) So Irenaeus: “Christ gave His life for (ὑπέρ) our lives, and His flesh for (ἀντί) our flesh.” Plato, “Gorgias,” 515, “If you will not answer for yourself, I must answer for you (ὐπὲρ σοῦ).” In the New Testament Phm 1:13 is cited; ὑπὲρ σου, A.V., in thy stead; Rev., in thy behalf. So 1Co 15:29, “baptized for the dead (ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν).” The meaning of this passage, however, is so uncertain that it cannot fairly be cited in evidence. The preposition may have a local meaning, over the dead. None of these passages can be regarded as decisive. The most that can be said is that ὑπέρ borders on the meaning of ἀντί. Instead of is urged largely on dogmatic grounds. In the great majority of passages the sense is clearly for the sake of, on behalf of. The true explanation seems to be that, in the passages principally in question, those, namely, relating to Christ's death, as here, Gal 3:13; Rom 14:15; 1Pe 3:18, ὑπέρ characterizes the more indefinite and general proposition - Christ died on behalf of - leaving the peculiar sense of in behalf of undetermined, and to be settled by other passages. The meaning instead of may be included in it, but only inferentially. Godet says: “The preposition can signify only in behalf of. It refers to the end, not at all to the mode of the work of redemption.”
Ungodly
The radical idea of the word is, want of reverence or of piety.