ὑπερῷον
huperōon
upper room
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "ὑπερῷον" (huperōon) has a short, yet distinctive definition as an "upper room." This spatial term points to a specific location, elevated above ground level, and likely indicates a room located on an upper floor or above the main living areas of the house. The frequency of its occurrence in the Bible, at 4 instances, suggests its importance in the narrative. The word's range of usage is limited to spatial references, with its primary function being to identify the location of a particular scene or event. In biblical contexts, this "upper room" seems to hold a certain significance, possibly due to its elevated position, which could imply a sense of importance or reverence. Without more information, it is difficult to determine the exact nature of this significance. The repetition of this term across the Bible implies its importance in telling the story of the early Christian community. The "upper room" likely represents a real location, perhaps a known gathering place, and its mention invites the reader to visualize this space as a hub of spiritual significance within the narrative.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
Acts 9:37In those days, she became sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
Acts 9:39Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
Acts 20:8There were many lights in the upper room where we were gathered together.