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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies, as it helps uncover the depth and nuance of scriptural texts. The Greek word ἐπανάγω (epanagō) is particularly significant because it conveys the concept of leading or bringing something or someone back, often with a connotation of returning to a former place or position. This word holds importance in interpreting passages where guidance, restoration, or movement is emphasized, providing insight into both the physical and metaphorical journeys described in the New Testament.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπανάγω, transliterated as epanagō [ep-an-AG-o].
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “back”) and the verb ἄγω (agō, meaning “to lead” or “to bring”).
- Part of Speech: Verb; used in the active voice.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To lead back, bring back.
- To return or restore to a former place or state.
- To set out again, as in a journey or voyage.
Similar Words: ἀνάγω (anagō) [ah-NAH-go], meaning “to lead up” or “to bring up,” is a related word. While ἐπανάγω involves bringing back or returning, ἀνάγω typically focuses on an upward movement or leading to a higher place.
Further Insights: ἐπανάγω is a compound verb formed by combining ἐπί (a preposition indicating direction or position) with ἄγω (a verb meaning “to lead” or “to bring”). As a verb, it follows the standard conjugation patterns of Greek verbs. This word is often used in contexts involving movement or leadership, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek to learn more about Greek verbs and their conjugation patterns.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ἐπανάγω as “to bring back” or “to return,” particularly in the context of a journey or movement from one place to another. It can be used literally (as in bringing a ship back to port) or metaphorically (such as returning to a former state or condition).
Thayers: Explains ἐπανάγω as “to lead back” or “bring back,” emphasizing its use in both physical and metaphorical senses. It is often used in nautical contexts, describing the act of bringing a vessel back to its original course or port.
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Vines: Focuses on ἐπανάγω as a term denoting restoration or guidance back to a starting point. It highlights the verb’s use in passages discussing guidance, leadership, or correction.
LSJ: Lists ἐπανάγω as “to lead or bring back” and notes its frequent usage in classical literature to describe a return to a previous state, journey, or course.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἐπανάγω as a compound verb meaning “to bring back” or “to return,” formed from ἐπί and ἄγω, emphasizing the idea of bringing or leading something back to where it was.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 5:4: “When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Launch out [ἐπανάγω] into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.'”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word in Parentheses |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “He who is led back (ἐπανάγω) to reason from his errors is truly wise.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “They were to lead back (ἐπανάγω) the troops to the camp.” |
| Polybius | Histories | “The general ordered the ships to be brought back (ἐπανάγω) to harbor.” |
| Septuagint Example | Exodus | “And Moses led the people back (ἐπανάγω) to the wilderness after the journey.” |
| Septuagint Example | Psalms | “They shall bring me back (ἐπανάγω) to the house of the Lord.” |
| Septuagint Example | Isaiah | “The prophet will lead them back (ἐπανάγω) to the ways of the Lord.” |
Summary of ἐπανάγω (G1877: epanagō)
The Greek verb ἐπανάγω (epanagō) is significant in both Biblical and classical contexts as it describes the action of bringing back, restoring, or returning. It appears in passages where guidance, leadership, and restoration are key themes, whether it is a physical return to a place or a metaphorical return to a state of being. The nuances of this word enhance our understanding of passages where a return or redirection is emphasized, adding depth to both scriptural interpretation and classical literature.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in ancient Greek maritime contexts, ἐπανάγω was often used to describe the act of returning a ship to its course after being off course? This metaphorical usage influenced later Christian writings, where it could symbolize bringing a person or community back to the “right path” or spiritual course.
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