Understanding ἀνακαθίζω (anakathizō) Strong’s G339: The Miraculous Power of Rising Up in the Messiah’s Presence

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-kah-THEE-zoh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G339: ἀνακαθίζω is a compound verb meaning “to sit up, raise oneself up to a sitting position.” It specifically describes the action of moving from a reclined or prone position to an upright, seated posture, often implying recovery of strength or consciousness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, again) + καθίζω (to sit)
• Used primarily in narrative passages describing physical actions
• Found in medical literature and historical accounts
• Common in Koine Greek descriptions of recovery

ἀνακαθίζω Morphology:

• ἀνακαθίζω (present active indicative) – I sit up
• ἀνεκάθισεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she sat up
• ἀνακαθίσας (aorist active participle) – having sat up

Origin & History

The verb ἀνακαθίζω appears in classical Greek medical texts, particularly in the works of Hippocrates (5th century BCE), where it describes patients recovering consciousness or strength by sitting up in bed. The term gained technical precision in the Hellenistic period, as evidenced in the writings of Galen (2nd century CE), who used it to describe a specific stage in patient recovery.

In the Septuagint, while the exact form ἀνακαθίζω is not frequent, related compounds with ἀνά are common in descriptions of physical restoration and divine intervention. The concept connects to Hebrew ideas of rising up (קום – qum) as a sign of life and vitality.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To sit up from a lying position
• To raise oneself to an upright position
• To recover strength enough to sit upright
• To be restored to consciousness and mobility

ἀνακαθίζω Translation Options:

• “Sat up” – Best for narrative contexts describing physical movement
• “Raised himself up” – Emphasizes active participation of the subject
• “Was able to sit up” – Highlights recovery of ability
• “Rose to sitting position” – Technical precision for medical contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνακαθίζω appears in two significant resurrection accounts. Its first appearance in Luke 7:15 marks the dramatic moment when the dead son of the widow of Nain “sat up” at the Messiah’s command. The second occurrence in Acts 9:40 describes Tabitha (Dorcas) “sitting up” after Peter’s prayer for her resurrection.

The verbal action in both cases serves as a visible sign of miraculous restoration from death to life. The use of ἀνακαθίζω emphasizes the completeness of the resurrection – not merely breathing again, but demonstrating full restoration of bodily function and consciousness.

• “And the dead man sat up [ἀνεκάθισεν] and began to speak” Luke 7:15
• “She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up [ἀνεκάθισεν]” Acts 9:40

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the ability to sit up was a crucial indicator of health and vitality. Jewish burial customs involved laying the deceased flat and wrapped in burial cloths, making the action of sitting up particularly significant as a sign of resurrection. This context adds weight to the Gospel accounts where ἀνακαθίζω marks the moment of transition from death to life.

The technical medical nature of the term also suggests Luke’s careful attention to detail as a physician, choosing precise vocabulary to document these miraculous events. This precision would have lent additional credibility to his accounts for Greco-Roman readers familiar with medical literature.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνακαθίζω in resurrection accounts powerfully demonstrates the Messiah’s authority over death and His power to restore life completely. The word’s precision emphasizes that these were not mere resuscitations but full restorations of life and function. This connects to the broader theological theme of resurrection throughout Scripture, pointing forward to the ultimate resurrection promised to believers.

The physical action of sitting up becomes a powerful visual metaphor for spiritual resurrection – moving from the prone position of death to the upright posture of life. This mirrors the spiritual reality of being raised with the Messiah (Colossians 3:1) and points to the future bodily resurrection of believers.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἀνακαθίζω in Scripture, we’re reminded that the same power that caused the dead to sit up is at work in our lives through the Messiah. Just as He commanded the dead to rise, He calls us to “rise up” from spiritual death and walk in newness of life. This word challenges us to consider: Are we truly sitting up and alert in our spiritual life, or are we lying prone in spiritual lethargy?

In times of weakness or spiritual deadness, we can take comfort that our God specializes in raising the dead to life. Whether physical or spiritual, He is the God who makes the impossible possible, causing those who cannot rise to sit up in His presence.

Related Words

• ἐγείρω (egeirō) – to wake up, raise up – A more general term for rising up or being raised, often used in resurrection contexts. See G1453
• ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) – to stand up, rise up – Emphasizes complete rising to standing position. See G450
• καθίζω (kathizō) – to sit, seat oneself – The root verb without the ἀνά prefix. See G2523
• ἀναζάω (anazaō) – to live again, revive – Related concept of returning to life. See G326

Did you Know?

• The precise medical nature of ἀνακαθίζω provides one of many pieces of evidence for Luke’s profession as a physician, as he uses technical medical terminology throughout his Gospel and Acts.
• Ancient Greek medical texts used ἀνακαθίζω as a technical term to describe a specific stage of recovery, when a patient had regained enough strength to sit up independently – making its use in resurrection accounts particularly significant.
• Modern Greek still uses this word in medical contexts, particularly in patient progress notes, showing the enduring precision of the term.

Remember This

ἀνακαθίζω stands as a powerful testimony to the Messiah’s ability to raise not just bodies, but souls – moving us from the prone position of death to the upright posture of vibrant life in Him.