Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-TIH-thee-mee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G394: A compound verb combining ἀνά (up, again) and τίθημι (to place, put), meaning to lay up or lay before, especially in the sense of presenting a matter formally to an authority. In biblical usage, it often carries the nuance of carefully presenting or committing something of significance to someone in authority.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Compound of ἀνά (up, again) + τίθημι (to place)
• Primary usage in narrative and epistolary literature
• Common in formal or legal contexts

ἀνατίθημι Morphology:

• ἀνατίθημι (present active indicative) – I lay before/commit
• ἀνέθηκα (aorist active indicative) – I laid before/committed
• ἀνατιθέμενος (present middle participle) – laying before/committing
• ἀνέθετο (aorist middle indicative) – he/she laid before/committed

Origin & History

The verb ἀνατίθημι has deep roots in classical Greek, where it originally meant “to set up” or “to dedicate” as a votive offering in temples. Xenophon used it in his Anabasis (1.1.7) to describe the dedication of precious objects to the gods.

In the Septuagint, ἀνατίθημι appears in contexts of formal dedication or presentation, particularly in 2 Maccabees 3:10 where it describes treasures laid up in the temple treasury. This ceremonial aspect of the word carried forward into New Testament usage, though with a shift toward more general formal presentation of matters to authorities.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To lay before formally or officially
• To present a matter for consideration
• To dedicate or consecrate
• To commit or entrust to another’s care

ἀνατίθημι Translation Options:

• “to lay before” – emphasizes the formal presentation aspect
• “to declare” – highlights the communicative element
• “to communicate” – focuses on the sharing of information
• “to commit” – stresses the element of entrusting

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνατίθημι appears most notably in contexts of formal presentation or declaration of matters to authorities. The word carries a sense of careful, deliberate communication with proper respect for authority structures.

The limited New Testament occurrences highlight its specialized usage in formal or legal contexts:

• “After some days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and laid before [ἀνέθετο] Festus the charges against Paul.” Acts 25:14
• “And I laid before [ἀνεθέμην] them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles.” Galatians 2:2

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the act of formally presenting a matter (ἀνατίθημι) carried significant cultural weight. It was associated with proper protocol in both religious and civil contexts. The word’s use in Acts 25:14 reflects the Roman legal system’s formal procedures, where matters had to be properly “laid before” the appropriate authorities through established channels.

This formal presentation aspect had parallels in Jewish culture, where matters were traditionally brought before the Sanhedrin or elders in a prescribed manner. This cultural background illuminates Paul’s use of ἀνατίθημι in Galatians 2:2, where he describes presenting his gospel message to the Jerusalem leaders.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνατίθημι in both Acts and Galatians reveals important theological principles about authority and submission in God’s kingdom. Paul’s willing presentation of his gospel message to the Jerusalem leaders demonstrates both his respect for established authority and his confidence in the divine origin of his message.

The word’s connection to temple dedication in its classical usage adds a layer of theological significance – just as valuable objects were formally dedicated to God in the temple, so too should we formally commit our ways, plans, and ministries to divine authority.

Personal Application

When we understand the formal, deliberate nature of ἀνατίθημι, it challenges us to consider how we present matters to both human and divine authority. Are we careful and intentional in how we bring important matters before God and proper human authorities? This word reminds us that there is a proper way to present our concerns, plans, and petitions – with respect, care, and recognition of authority.

Related Words

• παρατίθημι (paratithēmi) – to set before, commit – Similar in construction but emphasizes placement alongside rather than up/before. See G3908
• ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi) – to put upon, lay on – Shares the root τίθημι but emphasizes placement upon something. See G2007
• προτίθημι (protithēmi) – to set forth, purpose – Another compound of τίθημι emphasizing placement before in time or position. See G4388

Did you Know?

• The practice of ἀνατίθημι in ancient temples involved elaborate ceremonies where valuable offerings were formally presented to the gods, often accompanied by official documentation and witnesses.
• In medieval Greek, ἀνατίθημι evolved to specifically refer to the practice of dedicating religious artwork or icons in churches, a meaning that continues in modern Greek ecclesiastical usage.
• The formal aspect of ἀνατίθημι influenced the development of diplomatic protocol in the Byzantine Empire, where matters had to be “laid before” the emperor in prescribed ways.

Remember This

ἀνατίθημι reminds us that how we present matters to authority – whether divine or human – should reflect the same careful, respectful, and formal dedication as ancient worshippers bringing offerings to the temple.