Understanding ἀναδίδωμι (anadidōmi) Strong’s G325: The Divine Process of Delivering Messages and Official Documents in Biblical Times

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-DEE-doh-mee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G325: ἀναδίδωμι is a compound Greek verb that literally means “to give up” or “to hand over,” specifically in the context of delivering official documents or messages to proper authorities. In biblical usage, it carries the connotation of formal presentation or delivery, emphasizing both the action and the authority involved in the transaction.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, again) + δίδωμι (to give)
• Primary usage in narrative sections, particularly in official or legal contexts
• Found in classical Greek administrative and legal documents
• Rare in New Testament, appearing only once

ἀναδίδωμι Morphology:

• ἀναδίδωμι (present active indicative) – I hand over/deliver
• ἀναδοῦναι (aorist active infinitive) – to hand over/deliver
• ἀνέδωκαν (aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they handed over/delivered
• ἀναδιδούς (present active participle) – handing over/delivering

Origin & History

The word ἀναδίδωμι has a rich history in classical Greek literature, particularly in administrative and legal contexts. In Herodotus’s “Histories” (5.87), it is used for the formal presentation of documents to officials. The Septuagint employs this term in 2 Maccabees 11:16 for delivering official letters to authorities.

The compound structure of ἀνά + δίδωμι suggests a formal “giving up” or “handing over” to someone in authority, implying both physical movement and transfer of responsibility. This usage continues in papyri documents from Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt, where it frequently appears in official correspondence and legal documents.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Formal delivery or presentation of documents
• Official handover of items or messages
• Transfer with proper authentication
• Ceremonial presentation to authority

ἀναδίδωμι Translation Options:

• “to deliver” – emphasizes the completion of transfer
• “to hand over” – highlights the physical act of transfer
• “to present” – stresses the formal nature of the delivery
• “to pass up” – emphasizes the hierarchical nature of the transfer

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναδίδωμι appears only once, in Acts 23:33, where it describes the delivery of an official letter concerning Paul to Governor Felix. This usage perfectly exemplifies the word’s formal and legal connotations, as it involves Roman military officials delivering an important document to a provincial governor.

The context involves the careful transfer of both a prisoner (Paul) and an explanatory letter, highlighting the word’s association with official procedures and proper protocols in the Roman administrative system. This singular usage is significant as it demonstrates the precision of Luke’s vocabulary in describing administrative procedures.

• “When they came to Caesarea and delivered [ἀναδίδωμι] the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul before him.” Acts 23:33

Cultural Insights

In the Roman Empire, the delivery of official documents followed strict protocols. The use of ἀναδίδωμι in Acts 23:33 reflects this formal process. Military couriers were entrusted with both the safe delivery of documents and the responsibility to ensure they reached the proper authorities. The word carries implications of trustworthiness and official authority.

The formal delivery of documents in ancient times often involved multiple steps: verification of the courier’s identity, confirmation of the document’s authenticity, and proper presentation to the recipient. This process helped maintain the integrity of official communication in the vast Roman administrative system.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναδίδωμι in Acts demonstrates divine providence in Paul’s ministry. The official letter delivered to Felix became part of God’s plan to bring Paul to Rome, fulfilling the Lord’s words in Acts 23:11. The formal delivery process, captured in this precise term, shows how God works through official channels and human institutions to accomplish His purposes.

This word also reflects the importance of proper authority and order in God’s kingdom. Just as official documents were carefully delivered to appropriate authorities, we see a pattern of God working through established channels while maintaining His sovereign control over all events.

Personal Application

When we consider ἀναδίδωμι, we’re reminded that God often works through official channels and proper procedures to accomplish His purposes. This can encourage us when dealing with bureaucracy or official processes in our own lives. Just as Paul’s letter was delivered through proper channels, we can trust that God can use formal systems and procedures for His glory.

The careful, authorized delivery implied by ἀναδίδωμι also reminds us of our responsibility as believers to handle God’s truth with similar care and authority. We are called to be faithful deliverers of His message, ensuring it reaches its intended recipients with integrity and proper respect.

Related Words

• ἐπιδίδωμι (epidídōmi) – to give to, hand over (less formal) – See G1929
• παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi) – to hand over, deliver, betray – See G3860
• ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi) – to give back, return, repay – See G591
• μεταδίδωμι (metadídōmi) – to share, impart – See G3330

Did you Know?

• In ancient papyri, ἀναδίδωμι was often used in the context of tax documents being delivered to Roman officials, showing its importance in administrative procedures.
• The formal delivery process described by ἀναδίδωμι often required multiple witnesses and specific ceremonial elements in ancient times, especially for important government documents.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀναδίδωμι in legal contexts, particularly in the delivery of court documents, maintaining its connection to official procedures across millennia.

Remember This

ἀναδίδωμι reminds us that God’s purposes can work through official channels and proper procedures, turning even formal administrative acts into steps toward fulfilling His divine plan.