Understanding ἀνακαίνωσις (anakainōsis) Strong’s G342: The Divine Process of Complete Spiritual Renewal and Mind Transformation

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-kai-NO-sis

Basic Definition

Strong’s G342: ἀνακαίνωσις denotes a complete renovation, renewal, or transformation – specifically referring to the supernatural process of being made new by God’s power. This spiritual renewal encompasses the total transformation of a believer’s mind, character, and way of thinking to align with God’s truth and nature. It represents not just improvement or modification, but a fundamental and continuous process of being made new from the inside out.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again, anew) + καινός (new, fresh, unprecedented)
• Primary usage in teaching passages
• Rare in classical Greek literature
• Found only twice in the New Testament

ἀνακαίνωσις Morphology:

• ἀνακαίνωσις (nominative singular) – renewal, renovation
• ἀνακαινώσεως (genitive singular) – of renewal
• ἀνακαινώσει (dative singular) – in/by renewal

Origin & History

The term ἀνακαίνωσις emerges from the classical Greek concept of renovation or making something new again, but takes on profound theological significance in biblical usage. While rare in classical literature, it becomes a theologically rich term in the New Testament, particularly in Pauline writings.

The compound structure of the word intensifies its meaning – ἀνά suggesting an upward or completing motion, combined with καινός indicating not just chronological newness (νέος) but qualitative newness – something unprecedented and superior to what existed before.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A complete spiritual renovation of the mind and character
• The ongoing process of being transformed into Christ’s image
• A supernatural renewal that produces radical change

ἀνακαίνωσις Translation Options:

• “Complete renewal” – emphasizes the thoroughness of the transformation
• “Spiritual renovation” – captures the idea of fundamental restructuring
• “Divine transformation” – highlights the supernatural source
• “Total renewal” – stresses the comprehensive nature of the change

Biblical Usage

ἀνακαίνωσις appears only twice in the New Testament, but these occurrences are theologically significant, describing the profound transformation that occurs in believers through the Holy Spirit’s work. The concept links closely with Paul’s teaching about putting off the old nature and putting on the new.

The word’s rarity highlights its specialized theological meaning – it’s not just any kind of renewal, but specifically the divine work of transformation in believers. While the noun form appears only twice, related verbal forms (ἀνακαινόω) appear in key passages about spiritual transformation.

• “[Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the] renewal [ἀνακαίνωσις] of your mind” Romans 12:2
• “He saved us through the washing of regeneration and] renewal [ἀνακαίνωσις] of the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:5

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of renewal often related to the restoration of buildings or physical structures. However, the Jewish understanding of renewal (חדש, chadash) carried deeper spiritual connotations, particularly in prophetic literature where it often described God’s work of spiritual restoration.

The term would have resonated with first-century Jewish believers familiar with the prophetic promise of a “new heart” and “new spirit” in Ezekiel 36:26. This background enriches our understanding of ἀνακαίνωσις as not merely improvement but divine recreation.

Theological Significance

ἀνακαίνωσις represents a crucial aspect of soteriology – the ongoing work of sanctification that follows justification. It points to the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers into the image of the Messiah Jesus.

This renewal process demonstrates God’s commitment to not only save His people but to thoroughly transform them. It reveals His power to effect genuine change in human nature and His patience in the progressive work of sanctification.

The word’s usage in both Romans 12:2 and Titus 3:5 connects it with both human responsibility (presenting ourselves for transformation) and divine initiative (the Holy Spirit’s regenerating work).

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνακαίνωσις challenges believers to actively participate in God’s transformative work while recognizing that true renewal comes from Him alone. It encourages us to regularly present ourselves to God for ongoing renewal, particularly in our thought patterns and worldview.

This word reminds us that spiritual growth isn’t about self-improvement but about supernatural transformation. We’re called to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work of making us new, not just better versions of our old selves.

Related Words

• μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō) /met-am-or-FO-oh/ – to be transformed, particularly referring to outward manifestation of inward change See G3339
• ἀνακαινόω (anakainoō) /an-ak-ai-NO-oh/ – the verb form meaning to renew or make new again See G341
• καινότης (kainotēs) /kai-NO-tace/ – newness, especially referring to the new life in Christ See G2538
• παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia) /pal-ing-ghen-es-EE-ah/ – regeneration, new birth See G3824

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀνα- in ἀνακαίνωσις suggests not just renewal but renewal “from above,” highlighting the divine source of this transformation.
• Unlike the Greek word νέος (chronologically new), καινός (the root in ἀνακαίνωσις) emphasizes qualitative newness – something unprecedented and superior to what existed before.
• The concept of renewal in ἀνακαίνωσις parallels the Hebrew idea of חָדַשׁ (chadash), which appears in prophecies about the new covenant and Israel’s future restoration.

Remember This

ἀνακαίνωσις represents God’s supernatural power to completely transform believers from the inside out, making us truly new creatures in the Messiah Jesus through the ongoing work of His Spirit.