Understanding ἀναζάω (anazaō) Strong’s G326: The Divine Power of Spiritual Resurrection and Renewed Life

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-ZAH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G326: ἀναζάω combines the preposition ἀνά (up, again) with ζάω (to live), literally meaning “to live again” or “to come back to life.” This powerful verb describes both physical resurrection and spiritual revival, emphasizing the restoration of life where death once reigned. It carries the profound connotation of a complete transformation from death to life.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, again) + ζάω (to live)
• Primary usage in narrative sections, particularly in parables
• Rare in New Testament, but theologically significant
• Connected to concepts of resurrection and spiritual renewal

ἀναζάω Morphology:

• ἀναζάω (present active indicative) – I live again
• ἀνέζησεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she/it came back to life
• ἀναζῆσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to come back to life

Origin & History

The compound verb ἀναζάω emerged from classical Greek literature where it was used to describe revival or returning to life. In the works of Plutarch’s “Moralia,” it appears in contexts of renewed vigor or restored vitality. The Septuagint employs this word sparingly, notably in contexts of spiritual revival and restoration.

The development of this term’s theological significance can be traced through early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria in his “Protrepticus,” where he uses it to describe the spiritual resurrection of the soul through faith in the Messiah. This usage helped establish its important role in Christian theology.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Coming back to life after being dead (physical resurrection)
• Experiencing spiritual revival or renewal
• Returning to a former state of vitality
• Regaining what was once lost

ἀναζάω Translation Options:

• “Come to life again” – Emphasizes the restoration aspect
• “Live again” – Captures both physical and spiritual dimensions
• “Be revived” – Highlights the transformative process
• “Return to life” – Stresses the recovery of what was lost

Biblical Usage

The most notable usage of ἀναζάω appears in Luke 15:24 within the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father declares his lost son was dead and has “come to life again”. This usage powerfully illustrates both spiritual death and resurrection, showing how genuine repentance leads to spiritual revival.

This word carries profound theological weight despite its rare occurrence in the New Testament. Its usage always signifies a dramatic transformation from death to life, whether literal or metaphorical.

Key verses:

• “For this son of mine was dead and has come to life again [ἀνέζησεν]” Luke 15:24
• “He was dead and has come to life again [ἀνέζησεν]” Luke 15:32
• “I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive [ἀνέζησεν]” Romans 7:9

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of being “dead” while physically alive was well understood within the framework of covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh). When someone lived outside of covenant fellowship, they were considered spiritually dead. The return to covenant relationship was seen as a type of resurrection, which explains why the father in the Prodigal Son parable uses ἀναζάω to describe his son’s return.

This understanding was deeply rooted in the prophetic tradition, particularly in Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones, where יהוה (Yahweh) promises to make dead bones live again. This background enriches our understanding of how ἀναζάω would have resonated with first-century Jewish listeners.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναζάω in the New Testament reflects the transformative power of God’s grace in bringing spiritual life where death once reigned. It points to the ultimate resurrection power of the Messiah, who not only raised the physically dead but also brings spiritual resurrection to those dead in their transgressions.

This word beautifully captures the essence of the gospel message – that through the Messiah’s death and resurrection, we too can experience this divine restoration from death to life. It emphasizes that spiritual resurrection is not merely an improvement of the old life but a completely new life granted by God’s power.

Personal Application

When we grasp the full meaning of ἀναζάω, we understand that our spiritual resurrection in the Messiah is not just a slight improvement or minor change – it’s a complete transformation from death to life. This truth challenges us to live in the reality of our new life, recognizing that old things have truly passed away and new things have come.

This understanding should inspire us to live with the joy and gratitude of those who have been brought back from death to life, celebrating God’s resurrection power in our daily walk with Him.

Related Words

• ζάω (zaō) – to live, be alive – Basic verb of life and living, forms the root of ἀναζάω See G2198
• ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) – to raise up, rise – Used for resurrection but emphasizes the physical action See G450
• ἐγείρω (egeirō) – to wake up, raise up – Often used for resurrection with focus on the initial moment See G1453
• συζάω (suzaō) – to live together with – Emphasizes shared life with Christ See G4800

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀναζάω in ancient Greek medicine referred to patients recovering from near-fatal illnesses, viewing it as a type of resurrection from the brink of death.
• In early Christian catacomb art, the story of Lazarus’s resurrection was often depicted alongside baptismal scenes, connecting ἀναζάω’s spiritual meaning with the physical symbol of baptism.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀναζάω in contexts of revival, particularly in describing the restoration of ancient traditions or cultural practices.

Remember This

ἀναζάω testifies to the magnificent reality that in the Messiah, what was dead can live again – whether a prodigal child, a broken relationship, or a sin-dead soul.