From the book
Lysis
Plato · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordHypēkoos means subject to, under another’s authority.
- In LysisThe plural ὑπήκοοι states the consequence of lacking understanding: in those matters we shall be subject to others.
- Reading contextDependence is task-specific in the argument, just as the freedom promised through competence is task-specific.
- A place to readThe Greek example means “we shall be subject to others.”
- English renderings
- Subject to, under another’s authority
Meaning
Subject to, under another’s authority.
Grammatical category: adjective.
Use in the book
The plural ὑπήκοοι states the consequence of lacking understanding: in those matters we shall be subject to others. It contrasts directly with being free and rulers of others in the areas we understand.
The genitive ἄλλων identifies the people to whom we are subject. The word is not introduced as a general description of political subjects; it is qualified by ἐν αὐτοῖς, “in those matters.” Dependence is task-specific in the argument, just as the freedom promised through competence is task-specific.
Places to read
- 210cἐσόμεθα ἄλλων ὑπήκοοι — we shall be subject to others.