Pronunciation Guide: an-ab-ath-mos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G304: ἀναβαθμός (anabathmos) refers to a flight of steps or stairs, specifically those leading up to an elevated place. In its biblical context, it particularly denotes the stairs connecting the outer court of the Temple to the inner court, where these steps served both a practical and symbolic purpose in Jewish worship. The word carries the implicit meaning of ascending to a higher place, both physically and spiritually.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine)
• Compound word from ἀνά (ana, “up”) + βαθμός (bathmos, “step, degree”)
• Primary usage in narrative sections describing architectural features
• Found in Hellenistic Greek literature describing ceremonial or monumental staircases
• Common in Septuagint temple architecture descriptions

ἀναβαθμός Morphology:

• ἀναβαθμός (nominative singular) – a step, stair
• ἀναβαθμοῦ (genitive singular) – of the step
• ἀναβαθμῷ (dative singular) – on/at the step
• ἀναβαθμούς (accusative plural) – steps, stairs
• ἀναβαθμοί (nominative plural) – steps, stairs

Origin & History

The term ἀναβαθμός emerged from classical Greek architecture vocabulary, where it described ceremonial staircases in public buildings and temples. In Herodotus’s Histories (2.125), he uses the term to describe the stepped structure of the Egyptian pyramids. The Septuagint translators adopted this word to describe the fifteen steps leading up to the Temple in Jerusalem, particularly in the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).

The architectural significance evolved into spiritual symbolism in Jewish tradition, where the Temple steps represented the ascending journey of the soul toward God. Josephus, in his “Antiquities of the Jews” (15.11.5), uses ἀναβαθμός when describing Herod’s Temple architecture, specifically the fourteen steps leading from the Women’s Court to the Court of Israel.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A flight of stairs or steps, particularly in a sacred or ceremonial context
• An architectural feature facilitating upward movement
• A physical representation of spiritual ascent
• A designated transitional space between sacred areas

ἀναβαθμός Translation Options:

• Steps (when emphasizing the physical structure)
• Stairway (when describing the complete architectural feature)
• Ascent (when highlighting the upward movement aspect)
• Sacred stairs (when emphasizing religious context)
• Temple steps (when specifically referring to Temple architecture)

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναβαθμός appears exclusively in Acts 21:35, describing the stairs of the Antonia Fortress where Paul addressed the crowd. This fortress, adjacent to the Temple, served as the Roman garrison overlooking the Temple complex. The steps here played a crucial role in the narrative, as they provided Paul an elevated platform to address the crowd while under Roman protection.

The Septuagint uses ἀναβαθμός more frequently, particularly in architectural descriptions of Solomon’s Temple and in the titles of the Psalms of Ascent (שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת, Shir HaMa’alot).

Significant appearances:

• “When Paul reached the stairs [ἀναβαθμούς], he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.” Acts 21:35
• “He made ten steps [ἀναβαθμούς] of bronze.” 1 Kings 10:19 (LXX)
• “A Song of Ascents [ἀναβαθμῶν].” Psalm 120:1 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

The steps of the Temple held profound significance in Jewish worship. According to the Mishnah (Middot 2:5), the fifteen steps between the Court of Women and the Court of Israel corresponded to the fifteen Psalms of Ascent. The Levites would stand on these steps during the Water Drawing Ceremony of Sukkot, singing these psalms while ascending each step, creating a powerful sensory experience of drawing closer to God’s presence.

The number of steps in various parts of the Temple complex was not arbitrary but carefully designed to facilitate proper preparation for approaching the Holy Place. Each step represented another level of spiritual readiness, forcing worshipers to physically slow down and mentally prepare as they ascended toward increasingly sacred spaces.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀναβαθμός beautifully illustrates the biblical principle of approaching God with reverence and preparation. Just as the physical steps required intentional ascending, our spiritual journey with God involves deliberate steps of growth and sanctification. The Messiah Jesus often taught at the Temple, possibly using these very steps as object lessons about drawing near to God.

The architectural reality of ascending steps mirrors the spiritual reality of drawing near to God’s presence. This physical ascent prefigured the ultimate “ascending” work of the Messiah, Who would not only ascend these temple steps but ultimately ascend to heaven itself, opening a new and living way for believers to approach God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

Personal Application

In our modern context, ἀναβαθμός reminds us that approaching God’s presence requires intentional preparation and progression. Just as ancient worshipers couldn’t simply rush into the Temple’s inner courts but had to ascend step by step, we too should approach our time with God deliberately and reverently.

Consider creating “spiritual steps” in your own devotional life – progressive stages of preparation before entering into deep communion with God. This might involve stages of praise, confession, thanksgiving, and meditation, each step drawing you closer to intimate fellowship with Him.

Related Words

• κλῖμαξ (klimax) – ladder, staircase – A more general term for any climbing structure, whereas ἀναβαθμός specifically relates to built steps. See G2743
• ἀναβαίνω (anabaino) – to go up, ascend – The verbal action related to using steps or stairs. See G305
• βαθμός (bathmos) – step, degree – The root word focusing on the individual step rather than the whole staircase. See G898
• ὑπερῷον (hyperōon) – upper room – Often accessed by steps, representing elevated spaces in buildings. See G5253

Did you Know?

• Archaeological excavations at the southern end of the Temple Mount have uncovered the original first-century steps leading to the Temple, providing tangible evidence of the ἀναβαθμός mentioned in ancient texts. These steps were designed with irregular widths to force worshipers to pay attention to their ascent, encouraging mindfulness in approaching God’s presence.
• The Psalms of Ascent (120-134) were specifically composed to be sung on the fifteen steps leading from the Court of Women to the Court of Israel. Jewish tradition holds that King David composed these psalms for the Levites to sing during the Water Drawing Ceremony, creating a powerful audiovisual experience of ascending toward God.
• The steps of the Antonia Fortress where Paul stood in Acts 21:35 were strategically positioned to give Roman soldiers a clear view of the Temple courts, demonstrating how these architectural features served both religious and practical purposes in ancient Jerusalem.

Remember This

The ἀναβαθμός reminds us that our journey with God is not a casual stroll but a purposeful ascent, where each step brings us closer to His presence and transforms us in the process.