Understanding ἀνάγω (anagō) Strong’s G321: The Divine Act of Leading Up and Setting Apart

ἀνάγω

Pronunciation Guide: an-ag’-o (ἀν-άγ-ω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G321: ἀνάγω (anagō) fundamentally means “to lead up” or “to bring up from a lower to a higher point.” In biblical usage, it carries both literal and spiritual connotations of ascending, leading upward, or launching out (as in setting sail). The word beautifully captures God’s sovereign action of leading His people to higher spiritual ground or setting them apart for His purposes.

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Etymology and Morphology

  • Compound verb formed from ἀνά (ana, “up”) + ἄγω (agō, “to lead/bring”)
  • Primary usage in narrative passages and teaching sections
  • Common in maritime contexts for “setting sail”
  • Appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts
  • Frequently used in passive voice to indicate divine action

ἀνάγω Morphology:

  • ἀνάγω (present active indicative) – I lead up/bring up
  • ἀνήγαγον (aorist active indicative) – I led up/brought up
  • ἀναγαγεῖν (aorist active infinitive) – to lead up/bring up
  • ἀνήχθη (aorist passive indicative) – he/she/it was led up
  • ἀναχθέντες (aorist passive participle) – having been led up

Origin & History

The term ἀνάγω enjoyed widespread use in classical Greek literature, particularly in military and maritime contexts. Xenophon, in his “Anabasis,” frequently employed the word to describe the famous march up country of the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries. In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀνάγω takes on deeper theological significance, often translating Hebrew words associated with God’s deliverance of His people, particularly in the Exodus narrative.

The word gained additional spiritual depth in early Christian literature. Clement of Alexandria, in his “Protrepticus,” uses ἀνάγω to describe the soul’s ascent to God, while Origen employs it in his “Commentary on John” to discuss spiritual elevation and the resurrection of Christ.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

  • To physically lead or bring up from a lower to higher position
  • To launch out to sea (nautical term)
  • To offer up (as in sacrifices)
  • To raise up (as from death)
  • To bring forth or produce

ἀνάγω Translation Options:

  • “Lead up” – Best for contexts involving physical or spiritual ascent
  • “Bring up” – Appropriate for contexts of resurrection or divine action
  • “Set sail” – Specific to maritime passages
  • “Offer up” – Used in sacrificial contexts
  • “Raise” – Particularly fitting for resurrection passages

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀνάγω in Matthew 4:1 presents a profound theological moment where “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness.” This divine passive usage sets a pattern for understanding God’s sovereign guidance in believers’ lives. Throughout the New Testament, the word appears in various significant contexts, from literal journeys to profound spiritual transformations.

In the book of Acts, ἀνάγω frequently appears in both its maritime sense (describing Paul’s missionary journeys) and its theological sense (describing God’s action in raising Jesus from the dead). The Septuagint uses ἀνάγω extensively in Exodus narratives, emphasizing God’s action in bringing Israel up from Egypt.

Key verses include:

  • “Then Jesus was led up [ἀνήχθη] by the Spirit into the wilderness” Matthew 4:1
  • “The God of peace who brought up [ἀναγαγών] from the dead our Lord Jesus” Hebrews 13:20
  • “They brought [ἀνήγαγον] Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” Luke 2:22
  • “From there they sailed [ἀνήχθησαν] to Antioch” Acts 13:4
  • “But when God brought [ἀναγαγών] them up from Egypt” Acts 13:17

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of “going up” held special significance, particularly in relation to Jerusalem. The Hebrew term “aliyah” (עֲלִיָּה), which ἀνάγω often translates in the Septuagint, was used for pilgrimages to Jerusalem because of the city’s elevated position both geographically and spiritually. This cultural understanding adds depth to passages where ἀνάγω is used in contexts of spiritual elevation or drawing near to God.

The maritime usage of ἀνάγω reflects ancient Mediterranean sailing practices where ships would “go up” from the harbor into the open sea. This technical term became a metaphor for spiritual journeys and divine guidance in early Christian literature, much like the Jewish concept of “launching out into the deep” symbolizing trust in God.

Theological Significance

The theological richness of ἀνάγω lies in its portrayal of God’s sovereign action in elevating and guiding His people. When used in the divine passive, it emphasizes that spiritual ascent is ultimately God’s work, not human effort. This truth is powerfully displayed in the resurrection narratives where God “brought up” Jesus from the dead, establishing a pattern for believers’ spiritual resurrection and transformation.

The word also carries significant meaning in the context of sanctification. Just as the Spirit “led up” Jesus into the wilderness for testing and strengthening, He continues to lead believers to higher spiritual ground through various trials and experiences. This upward movement reflects the broader biblical theme of progressive sanctification and the believer’s journey from glory to glory.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἀνάγω in Scripture, we’re reminded that our spiritual journey is always an upward call in the Messiah Jesus. Just as He was “led up” by the Spirit, we too are being led to higher places in our walk with God. This might involve wilderness experiences, times of testing, or launching out into unknown waters, but we can trust the divine hand that guides us.

Consider your own spiritual journey: Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you upward, or are you resisting His elevation in your life? Remember, every “leading up” is an opportunity for greater intimacy with God and increased spiritual maturity.

  • ἄγω (agō) – to lead, bring – Basic root word emphasizing divine guidance and movement See G71
  • κατάγω (katagō) – to bring down – Antonym emphasizing downward movement See G2609
  • περιάγω (periagō) – to lead around – Related compound emphasizing circular movement See G4013
  • συνάγω (sunagō) – to bring together – Related compound emphasizing gathering See G4863

Did you Know?

  • The nautical use of ἀνάγω continues in Modern Greek, where “anágome” still means “to set sail,” demonstrating the enduring precision of biblical maritime terminology.
  • In ancient Jewish wedding customs, the bride was often “led up” to the bridegroom’s house, providing a beautiful parallel to how the Messiah will one day lead His bride, the Church, up to the heavenly Jerusalem.
  • The concept of “leading up” in ancient Near Eastern culture was often associated with royal processions and triumph, adding layers of meaning to passages where ἀνάγω describes God’s actions toward His people.

Remember This

ἀνάγω reminds us that every upward movement in our spiritual journey is initiated and guided by our sovereign God, who consistently leads His people to higher ground for His glory and their good.

Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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