The Greek verb ἀνασείω (anaseiō) means “to shake” or “to agitate.” It is derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana), meaning “up” or “again,” and the root σεισμός (seismos), which relates to shaking or quaking. The term generally refers to the action of shaking something up or causing agitation, often with the implication of disturbance or upheaval.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνασείω (G383) is used in the New Testament to describe the action of shaking or disturbing. For example, in Acts 4:31, it is used to describe how the place where the early Christians were gathered was “shaken” as they prayed, signifying a physical or spiritual agitation resulting from divine intervention.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon further explains that ἀνασείω can denote a strong shaking or quaking, often implying a sense of upheaval or disturbance. BDAG highlights its use in contexts where a significant impact or change is suggested by the shaking or agitation.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this interpretation by describing ἀνασείω as relating to shaking or agitating, with applications in both physical and metaphorical contexts. The lexicon notes that the term can imply a disturbance or significant movement that causes an effect on the surroundings or on people.

In summary, ἀνασείω primarily means “to shake” or “to agitate,” indicating a significant disturbance or upheaval. This understanding is consistent across Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in biblical and classical Greek literature.