What the heck does Hupomeno mean anyway?
I was first introduced to the term “hupomeno” back in 1997 by Tom Nelson – pastor at Denton Bible Church (Denton, TX) and it’s stuck with me ever since.
Hupomeno (pronounced hoop-om-en’-o) is a Greek term that comes from two words. The first part of the word is “hupo” which carries the idea of being under something. Think of all the words that start with “hypo” like hypodermic – which pertains to parts under the skin.
The second word is “meno” which has the connotation of remaining, abiding or dwelling.
So…when you combine these two words they communicate the idea of remaining under. The word has been translated as “persevering” or “enduring”. Someone who remains under a burden is said to endure or persevere.
I love this phrase because it captures the people that my heart longs to come along side. I want to engage with the hurting of this world – those who day by day have no choice but to persevere, endure and remain under their burden. I want to try and be a source of encouragement – not because I have anything in and of myself but because Jesus has called us to live this way. He has called us to engage the powerless, those who have been victimized and oppressed.
That’s why I’m going with the name Hupomeno for this dream!
- David
