Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-bee-BAH-zō

Basic Definition

Strong’s G307: ἀναβιβάζω (anabibazō) denotes the act of drawing up, bringing up, or causing to ascend. In its biblical usage, it particularly refers to drawing something up from a lower to a higher position, often with purposeful intent. The word carries connotations of deliberate upward movement orchestrated by a controlling agent.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, upward) and βιβάζω (to cause to mount/ascend)
• Primary usage in narrative passages
• Transitive verb requiring direct object
• Found in active voice indicating deliberate action
• Classical Greek origin with continued usage in Koine

ἀναβιβάζω Morphology:

• ἀναβιβάζω (present active indicative) – I draw up/bring up
• ἀναβιβάσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to draw up/bring up
• ἀνεβίβασαν (aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they drew up/brought up

Origin & History

The verb ἀναβιβάζω has roots in classical Greek literature where it was commonly used in military contexts for moving troops to higher ground or bringing ships to shore. Xenophon employs it in his “Anabasis” (4.3.14) to describe the process of leading soldiers up mountainous terrain.

In the Septuagint, the word appears in contexts involving physical elevation or promoting someone to a higher status. The translation of Exodus 8:7 uses it to describe the Egyptian magicians bringing up frogs upon the land, highlighting its association with supernatural agency in biblical contexts.

The early church father Clement of Alexandria, in his “Stromata” (2.9), uses ἀναβιβάζω metaphorically to describe the spiritual ascent of the soul toward divine truth, demonstrating the word’s evolution into spiritual contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To draw up physically from a lower to higher position
• To cause to ascend or rise up
• To bring forth or produce upward movement
• To elevate in status or position

ἀναβιβάζω Translation Options:

• “Draw up” – Emphasizes the active pulling or drawing motion from below
• “Bring up” – Highlights the transitional movement from lower to higher
• “Cause to ascend” – Stresses the agency behind the upward movement
• “Haul up” – Captures the physical effort often involved in the action

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναβιβάζω appears most notably in Matthew 13:48, where it describes fishermen drawing up their net full of fish to the shore. This usage perfectly illustrates the word’s core meaning of purposeful upward movement. The context is the parable of the dragnet, where the action of drawing up represents divine judgment and separation.

The Septuagint employs ἀναβιβάζω in several significant passages, particularly in Exodus and Numbers, where it often carries supernatural or divine implications. This usage pattern establishes a theological framework where God is seen as the ultimate agent who “draws up” His people from difficult situations.

• “When it was full, they drew it up [ἀναβιβάσαντες] on the shore” Matthew 13:48
• “And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up [ἀνεβίβασαν] frogs upon the land” Exodus 8:7

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean fishing culture, the process of drawing up nets was a communal activity requiring coordinated effort. Fishermen would work together to pull heavy nets laden with fish up from the depths to the shore. This cultural practice provides rich imagery for understanding divine action in human affairs – God works purposefully and powerfully to “draw up” His people from various situations.

The word’s usage in both fishing and military contexts reflects the Ancient Near Eastern understanding of vertical space as hierarchical space. Movement upward was often associated with improvement, advancement, and divine favor, while downward movement carried opposite connotations.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀναβιβάζω are profound, particularly in how it portrays divine agency. When God “draws up,” it is always purposeful, powerful, and perfectly timed. The word appears in contexts of both judgment (as in Matthew’s fishing parable) and deliverance (as in various Septuagint passages), showing how God’s upward-drawing action can serve different divine purposes.

This verb beautifully illustrates God’s sovereign control over both physical and spiritual elevation. Whether drawing up fish in a net or raising up His people from difficulties, the action is deliberate and controlled, reflecting יהוה (Yahweh)’s perfect wisdom and timing in all His works.

The Messiah Jesus often used fishing imagery, including the concept of drawing up, to illustrate spiritual truths about the Kingdom of Heaven. This connection between physical and spiritual elevation through ἀναβιβάζω helps us understand God’s work in both realms.

Personal Application

Just as fishermen must exert effort and patience in drawing up their nets, we too must trust God’s timing and process in how He “draws up” circumstances and people in our lives. Sometimes we may feel like we’re in the depths, but this word reminds us that God is actively working to bring about His purposes in His perfect timing.

When we face situations that require elevation or advancement, we can rest in knowing that the same God who sovereignly “draws up” in scripture is working in our lives today. Our role is to trust His timing and cooperate with His drawing action, knowing that His purposes are always good and His timing perfect.

Related Words

• ἀνάγω (anagō) – to lead up, bring up; similar but emphasizes leadership – See G321
• ἀναφέρω (anapherō) – to carry up, offer up; focuses more on bearing/carrying – See G399
• ὑψόω (hypsoō) – to lift up, exalt; emphasizes the result rather than process – See G5312
• αἴρω (airō) – to lift up, take up; more general term for lifting – See G142

Did you Know?

• The same word used for drawing up fish in Matthew’s gospel was used by ancient Greek military writers to describe moving armies to higher ground, showing its versatility in describing purposeful upward movement.
• In modern Greek, derivatives of ἀναβιβάζω are still used in theatrical contexts to mean “to put on stage” or “to produce (a play),” maintaining the sense of bringing something up for display or judgment.
• The compound structure of ἀναβιβάζω (ἀνά + βιβάζω) is similar to other New Testament words that describe upward movement, forming part of a rich vocabulary for divine actions of elevation and exaltation.

Remember This

ἀναβιβάζω reminds us that every divine “drawing up” – whether in judgment or blessing – is purposeful, powerful, and perfectly timed in God’s sovereign plan.