Understanding ἀναθάλλω (anathallō) Strong’s G330: The Divine Renewal that Brings Spiritual Flourishing

Pronunciation Guide: an-ath-al’-lo

Basic Definition

Strong’s G330: ἀναθάλλω (anathallō) describes the action of reviving, flourishing again, or shooting up anew, as a plant that springs back to life. This compound verb beautifully captures the concept of renewal and restoration, particularly in the context of spiritual care and concern. It paints a vivid picture of dormant life bursting forth again with fresh vitality.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb – Second Aorist Active Indicative
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again) + θάλλω (to flourish)
• Used primarily in epistolary context
• Found in classical Greek literature referring to plant growth
• Metaphorical usage in religious texts

ἀναθάλλω Morphology:

• ἀναθάλλω (present active indicative) – I flourish again
• ἀνέθαλον (second aorist active indicative) – I flourished again
• ἀναθάλλειν (present active infinitive) – to flourish again

Origin & History

The word ἀναθάλλω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe the natural process of plants sprouting again after a period of dormancy. Theophrastus, in his work “De Causis Plantarum,” uses this term to describe the revival of vegetation after winter. The metaphorical extension of this botanical term to describe spiritual and emotional renewal appears in both Hellenistic literature and the Septuagint.

In the Septuagint, ἀναθάλλω appears in Ezekiel 17:24, where יהוה (Yahweh) speaks of making the dry tree flourish, establishing a profound theological foundation for its later New Testament usage. This agricultural metaphor becomes particularly significant in wisdom literature, where it often describes the righteous person who flourishes like a palm tree.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To sprout again or shoot up anew, specifically after a period of dormancy
• To revive or renew, especially regarding care or concern
• To flourish again, particularly in the context of spiritual growth
• To break forth with new vitality after a period of apparent lifelessness

ἀναθάλλω Translation Options:

• “Revive” – Emphasizes the renewal aspect, particularly appropriate when describing renewed spiritual vigor
• “Flourish again” – Captures the botanical metaphor while conveying the idea of restored vitality
• “Spring up anew” – Best reflects the compound nature of the word, combining the ideas of “up/again” and “sprouting”
• “Bloom afresh” – Particularly suitable when emphasizing the beauty and vitality of renewed spiritual care

Biblical Usage

The only occurrence of ἀναθάλλω in the New Testament is found in Philippians 4:10, where Paul expresses joy that the Philippians’ care for him has “flourished again.” This singular usage makes it particularly significant, as Paul deliberately chose this word to convey both gratitude and understanding. The agricultural metaphor would have resonated deeply with his readers, who were familiar with the seasonal nature of plant growth and the joy of seeing new growth after dormancy.

In the Septuagint, the word appears in several contexts that enrich our understanding of its New Testament usage:

• Psalm 28:7 (LXX) – “My heart flourished again“
• Ezekiel 17:24 – “I יהוה (Yahweh) have made the dry tree to flourish“
• Sirach 11:22 – “Suddenly he makes his blessing flourish“

Cultural Insights

In the agricultural society of the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of plants reviving after a dormant period was a powerful and readily understood metaphor. The seasonal cycle of growth, dormancy, and renewal was intimately connected with the agricultural festivals and religious observations of both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. This understanding would have made Paul’s use of ἀναθάλλω particularly meaningful to his audience in Philippi, a Roman colony with a significant agricultural economy.

The metaphor would have carried additional significance for Jewish readers familiar with the Torah’s agricultural laws and the prophetic imagery of Israel as God’s vineyard. The concept of renewal and flourishing was deeply embedded in Jewish eschatological hope, where the Messianic age was often depicted as a time when the desert would bloom and flourish.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναθάλλω in Philippians 4:10 reveals profound theological truths about God’s character and His work in believers’ lives. Just as He causes plants to flourish again after winter, He brings spiritual renewal and restoration to His people. This imagery connects with numerous biblical themes of God’s restorative power and the cyclical nature of spiritual growth.

The word choice also reflects the Messiah’s teaching about the kingdom of God using agricultural metaphors, reinforcing the connection between natural and spiritual growth. It suggests that periods of apparent dormancy in our spiritual lives or ministry efforts may be preparing us for new seasons of growth and fruitfulness.

Personal Application

When we encounter seasons of spiritual dormancy or when our care for others seems to have waned, ἀναθάλλω reminds us that new growth is possible through God’s reviving power. Just as Paul graciously acknowledged the Philippians’ renewed care, we can trust that God is working even in apparently fallow periods of our lives.

This word encourages us to maintain hope during spiritual winters, knowing that spring will come again. It also challenges us to be patient with others’ spiritual growth patterns, recognizing that God’s timing for renewal may differ from our expectations.

Related Words

• θάλλω (thallō) – to flourish, sprout – More general term for flourishing without the specific concept of renewal – See G2330
• βλαστάνω (blastanō) – to bud, sprout – Emphasizes initial growth rather than renewal – See G985
• αὐξάνω (auxanō) – to grow, increase – Focuses on the process of growth rather than renewal – See G837
• ζωοποιέω (zōopoieō) – to make alive – Describes spiritual quickening rather than natural growth – See G2227

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀναθάλλω was so well understood in ancient agriculture that farmers would often use it as a technical term in their seasonal calendars to mark the time when certain crops would begin their spring growth.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of this word in botanical contexts, particularly in scientific literature describing plant regeneration and seasonal growth patterns.
• The metaphorical use of ἀναθάλλω in Philippians 4:10 may have carried special significance for the Philippian church, as Philippi was surrounded by fertile agricultural land where the seasonal renewal of crops was a crucial part of the local economy.

Remember This

ἀναθάλλω embodies the hopeful truth that in God’s economy, every winter of dormancy can lead to a spring of renewed flourishing when we remain rooted in His faithful care.