Pronunciation Guide: an-ag-in-oce’-ko

Basic Definition

Strong’s G314: ἀναγινώσκω (anaginōskō) fundamentally means “to know again, to recognize, to read.” In biblical usage, it specifically refers to the act of reading, particularly reading aloud from sacred texts with understanding and discernment. The word carries deeper connotations of recognition and comprehension beyond mere mechanical reading, suggesting a process of gaining knowledge through careful attention to written text.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word from ἀνά (ana, “up, again”) + γινώσκω (ginōskō, “to know”)
• Primary usage in narrative and epistolary literature
• Common in both Classical and Koine Greek
• Frequently used in contexts of public reading of Scripture

ἀναγινώσκω Morphology:

• ἀναγινώσκω (present active indicative) – I read/am reading
• ἀνέγνων (aorist active indicative) – I read (past)
• ἀναγνώσεται (future middle indicative) – he/she will read
• ἀναγνούς (aorist active participle) – having read
• ἀναγινώσκειν (present active infinitive) – to read

Origin & History

The word ἀναγινώσκω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally meant “to recognize, to know again.” Plato uses it in “Phaedrus” (228a-b) when discussing the act of reading and understanding written texts. The compound structure of the word (ἀνά + γινώσκω) suggests a process of “knowing again” or “knowing up,” implying recognition or recollection.

In the Septuagint, ἀναγινώσκω became the standard term for reading Scripture publicly, as seen in Exodus 24:7 where Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people. The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum,” emphasize this word’s connection to sacred reading and divine revelation through Scripture.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Public reading of sacred texts with understanding
• Recognition and comprehension of written material
• Proclamation of divine truth through reading
• Discerning and interpreting written content

ἀναγινώσκω Translation Options:

• Read aloud – When emphasizing public proclamation of Scripture
• Read with understanding – When focusing on comprehension aspect
• Recognize through reading – When highlighting the recognition element
• Proclaim through reading – When emphasizing declarative function
• Study by reading – When stressing careful examination of text

Biblical Usage

ἀναγινώσκω appears frequently in contexts of public Scripture reading, particularly in synagogue and early church settings. Its first appearance in Matthew 12:3 shows Yeshua (Jesus) referring to the disciples’ knowledge of Scripture through reading.

The word carries special significance in passages describing the public reading of God’s Word, emphasizing both the act of reading and the understanding that should accompany it.

• “Have you not read [ἀναγινώσκω] what David did?” Matthew 12:3
• “When you read [ἀναγινώσκω] you can understand” Ephesians 3:4
• “Blessed is he who reads [ἀναγινώσκω]” Revelation 1:3
• “Until I come, give attention to the public reading [ἀναγινώσκω]” 1 Timothy 4:13
• “When this letter is read [ἀναγινώσκω] among you” Colossians 4:16

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the public reading of Torah was a central part of synagogue worship. The term ἀναγινώσκω in the New Testament often reflects this practice of קריאת התורה (keriat ha-Torah), where the Torah was read aloud with careful attention to pronunciation and meaning, accompanied by translation into Aramaic (Targum) for better understanding.

The practice of public reading was so important that specific rules governed who could read, how they should stand, and how the text should be proclaimed. This cultural background illuminates why ἀναγινώσκω often appears in contexts of authoritative proclamation rather than private reading.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναγινώσκω in Scripture reveals God’s design for His Word to be both read and understood. It’s not merely about the mechanical process of reading but about engaging with divine truth in a way that leads to recognition and transformation. This connects to the Jewish concept of לִמּוּד (limmud) – study that leads to action.

The frequent use of this word in contexts of public Scripture reading emphasizes the communal nature of engaging with God’s Word. It reminds us that Scripture was meant to be read, heard, and understood in community, where mutual edification and understanding can occur.

Personal Application

When we approach Scripture reading today, ἀναγινώσκω challenges us to move beyond casual reading to engaged study and recognition of God’s truth. It calls us to read with expectation of encountering divine wisdom and with readiness to apply what we learn.

This understanding should transform our Bible reading habits from routine to relationship – recognizing that each time we read God’s Word, we have an opportunity to “know again” His truth in deeper ways.

Related Words

• ἀνάγνωσις (anagnōsis) – reading, especially public reading See G320
• γινώσκω (ginōskō) – to know, understand, perceive See G1097
• ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō) – to know fully, recognize See G1921
• ἀναγγέλλω (anaggellō) – to announce, declare, proclaim See G312

Did you Know?

• In ancient times, reading was almost always done aloud, even in private study. Silent reading was rare and considered unusual, which adds depth to our understanding of ἀναγινώσκω’s public nature.
• The Jewish custom of reading the entire Torah in one year through weekly portions (parashot) influenced early Christian practices of Scripture reading, reflected in many New Testament uses of ἀναγινώσκω.
• The word ἀναγινώσκω is still used in modern Greek today, maintaining its meaning of “to read,” showing the enduring nature of this important concept.

Remember This

ἀναγινώσκω reminds us that true reading of God’s Word involves recognition, understanding, and transformation – it’s not just about seeing words but about seeing His truth.