Pronunciation Guide: ah-NAH-lemp-sis (emphasis on ‘NAH’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G354: ἀνάλημψις refers to the act of being taken up or lifted up, specifically describing a decisive moment of ascension or assumption. In the New Testament, it uniquely describes the Messiah’s anticipated ascension to heaven and the resolute determination with which He approached this divine appointment.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, upward) + λῆμψις (a taking, receiving)
• Used exclusively in narrative sections
• Found only once in the New Testament
• Related to the verb ἀναλαμβάνω (to take up)

ἀνάλημψις Morphology:

• ἀνάλημψις (nominative singular) – a taking up, ascension
• ἀναλήμψεως (genitive singular) – of the taking up
• ἀναλήμψει (dative singular) – in/by the taking up
• ἀνάλημψιν (accusative singular) – the taking up

Origin & History

The term ἀνάλημψις emerges from classical Greek literature where it generally referred to the act of taking up or lifting something. In the Septuagint, forms of the related verb ἀναλαμβάνω appear notably in the account of Elijah’s ascension (2 Kings 2:11), establishing a precedent for describing divine assumption into heaven.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John,” drew parallels between this word’s use in Luke 9:51 and the prophetic ascension of Elijah, seeing it as a fulfillment pattern in the Messiah’s life.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A decisive moment of being taken up into heaven
• The act of ascending or being assumed
• A determined setting of one’s face toward a divine appointment

ἀνάλημψις Translation Options:

• “Ascension” – Emphasizes the upward movement and divine nature of the event
• “Taking up” – Highlights the passive aspect of being received up
• “Assumption” – Stresses the complete nature of being taken into heaven
• “Reception up” – Focuses on the welcoming aspect of the ascension

Biblical Usage

The term appears uniquely in Luke 9:51, marking a pivotal moment in Luke’s gospel where Jesus’ ministry takes a decisive turn toward Jerusalem and His eventual ascension. While the noun form appears only once, the related verb ἀναλαμβάνω is used throughout the New Testament to describe Jesus’ ascension and other instances of divine taking up.

The singular usage of this term creates a powerful theological marker in Luke’s narrative, indicating not just a future event but a present reality that shaped Jesus’ entire approach to His final journey to Jerusalem.

• “When the days were approaching for His ascension [ἀνάλημψις], He was determined to go to Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, ascension into heaven was associated with vindication and divine approval. The most notable example was Elijah’s dramatic assumption into heaven by a chariot of fire. This cultural background would have resonated deeply with Luke’s Jewish readers, who would have recognized the implications of using ἀνάλημψις to describe Jesus’ anticipated departure.

This term would have also carried royal connotations in the Greco-Roman world, where the ascension of rulers to divine status was a familiar concept. However, Luke’s usage subverts these pagan ideas by presenting Jesus’ ascension as the fulfillment of divine prophecy rather than deification.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνάλημψις in Luke 9:51 serves as a theological hinge in the Gospel narrative. It marks the moment when Jesus’ face is set toward Jerusalem with unwavering determination, knowing that His path leads through suffering to glory. This term encapsulates not just the final moment of ascension but the entire process of Jesus’ exaltation, including His death, resurrection, and return to glory.

The word choice emphasizes both the divine necessity and voluntary nature of Jesus’ journey. It shows that His ascension was not merely an escape from earth but the triumphant completion of His earthly mission and return to His rightful place at the right hand of the Father.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀνάλημψις, we see that just as Jesus resolutely set His face toward His divine appointment, we too are called to live with purpose and determination in our spiritual journey. This word challenges us to consider how we approach God’s calling in our lives – are we moving with resolution toward our divine appointments?

The term reminds us that our ultimate destination, like our Messiah’s, is heavenward. This perspective can transform how we view current trials and challenges, seeing them as part of our journey toward our ultimate glorification with Him.

Related Words

• ἀναλαμβάνω (analambanō) – to take up, receive up – closely related verb form See G353
• ἀναβαίνω (anabainō) – to go up, ascend – more general term for upward movement See G305
• μετάλημψις (metalēmpsis) – participation, sharing – related noun with different prefix See G3335
• ἔπαρσις (eparsis) – a lifting up, elevation – another term for upward movement See G1869

Did you Know?

• The term ἀνάλημψις appears in modern Greek literature to describe space shuttle launches and astronomical events, maintaining its connection to the concept of upward movement and ascension.
• The resolute determination expressed in this word is reflected in ancient Middle Eastern custom where “setting one’s face” toward a destination implied an irrevocable decision and unwavering commitment.
• The related verb form was used in ancient Greek medical texts to describe the body’s absorption of medicines, highlighting the complete and thorough nature of the “taking up” implied in this word.

Remember This

ἀνάλημψις marks not just a moment of ascension but a divine appointment that shaped every step of Jesus’ journey, revealing how heaven’s purposes give direction and determination to our earthly path.