Brief Overview of ἀνίστημι (Strong’s G450)

The Greek verb ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) primarily means “to raise up” or “to stand up.” It is used in various contexts to signify the action of rising or standing up physically, such as getting up from a sitting or lying position. Additionally, it can refer to raising someone or something to a higher position, or figuratively, to cause someone to rise from a state of inactivity or a position of weakness. The term is also used in the New Testament to describe the resurrection of the dead.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀνίστημι (G450) as “to raise up,” “to stand up,” or “to cause to rise.” It covers a range of meanings including physically standing up, getting up, or causing someone or something to stand or rise. This term is used in contexts such as the resurrection of Jesus, the raising of individuals from the dead, or the act of standing up in various situations.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG provides a detailed explanation of ἀνίστημι, defining it as “to cause to stand up” or “to raise up.” It includes several applications, such as getting up from a seated or lying position, causing someone to rise from the dead, or metaphorically raising up in terms of improving one’s condition or status. BDAG also notes its use in the context of resurrection and the act of standing up in a legal or formal setting.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀνίστημι as “to cause to rise,” “to raise up,” or “to stand up.” It emphasizes its use in physical contexts, such as getting up from sleep or a sitting position, and extends to metaphorical uses such as restoring or reviving someone. LSJ also mentions its application in resurrection and its use in various literary and formal contexts.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s describes ἀνίστημι as “to raise up,” “to cause to stand,” or “to stand up.” The lexicon notes its literal use in physical rising and its metaphorical applications, such as the resurrection of the dead or the act of restoring or reviving someone. It highlights the term’s use in the New Testament to describe Jesus’ resurrection and the raising of individuals from death.

In summary, ἀνίστημι covers a range of meanings from physically rising or standing up to metaphorical uses involving resurrection or restoration. Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s all agree on its primary meanings, with additional nuances in its applications across different contexts.