Understanding ἀνακαινίζω (anakainizō) Strong’s G340: The Divine Power of Spiritual Renewal and Restoration

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-kai-NID-zō

Basic Definition

Strong’s G340: ἀνακαινίζω is a compound verb that means to make new again, to renew, or to restore to a former state. It carries the profound theological concept of complete spiritual renovation and restoration to an original state of excellence. This word emphasizes both the process and completion of renewal, suggesting a thorough transformation rather than a superficial change.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: ἀνά (up, again) + καινός (new, fresh)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Doctrinal and theological contexts
• Voice: Active and Passive forms
• Tense: Present and Aorist primarily

ἀνακαινίζω Morphology:

• ἀνακαινίζω (present active infinitive) – to make new again
• ἀνακαινίζειν (present active indicative) – making new again
• ἀνακαινίζομαι (present passive) – being made new again
• ἀνακαινίσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to have made new again

Origin & History

The compound verb ἀνακαινίζω emerges from classical Greek literature where it described the restoration of buildings or the renewal of treaties. In the Septuagint, it appears in Lamentations 5:21 where it translates the Hebrew חָדַשׁ (chadash), expressing the prophet’s plea for national and spiritual restoration.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum,” employed this term to describe the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. Chrysostom, in his homilies, used it to emphasize the complete nature of spiritual renewal in contrast to mere external reformation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete restoration to an original state
• Thoroughgoing renewal of the inner person
• Transformative renovation of the spiritual life
• Comprehensive making new again

ἀνακαινίζω Translation Options:

• “to make completely new again” – emphasizing the thoroughness of the renewal
• “to restore to original excellence” – highlighting the quality of the restoration
• “to renovate thoroughly” – stressing the comprehensive nature of the change
• “to renew completely” – focusing on the completeness of the transformation

Biblical Usage

The most significant appearance of ἀνακαινίζω occurs in Hebrews 6:6, where it describes the impossibility of renewing to repentance those who have fallen away after experiencing the blessings of salvation. This usage emphasizes the serious nature of apostasy and the magnificent power required for genuine spiritual renewal.

The concept, though the exact word is not always used, appears throughout the New Testament in passages about spiritual transformation. It relates closely to Paul’s teaching about the new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and the renewal of the mind in Romans 12:2.

• “It is impossible to renew [ἀνακαινίζω] them again to repentance.” Hebrews 6:6

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of renewal was deeply connected to the agricultural cycle and the sabbatical year system. Every seven years, the land would experience שְׁמִטָּה (shemittah), a time of rest and renewal. This cultural practice provided a powerful metaphor for understanding ἀνακαινίζω – just as the land required complete rest for restoration, so the human spirit requires complete renewal through divine intervention.

The Jewish practice of טְבִילָה (tevilah), ritual immersion, also illuminates the meaning of ἀνακαινίζω. The complete submersion in living water symbolized total renewal and purification, reflecting the thoroughgoing nature of spiritual renewal expressed by this word.

Theological Significance

ἀνακαινίζω represents a crucial aspect of soteriology – the doctrine of salvation. It emphasizes that genuine spiritual transformation is not merely a human decision or effort but requires divine power. The passive forms of the verb particularly highlight this truth – we are renewed by God’s action, not our own strength.

This word also contributes to our understanding of sanctification. The present tense forms suggest an ongoing process of renewal, while the aorist forms point to decisive moments of transformation. This dual aspect helps us understand sanctification as both a moment-by-moment renewal and a complete transformation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνακαινίζω challenges us to examine the depth of our spiritual transformation. Are we seeking superficial changes or allowing the Holy Spirit to work deep renewal in our lives? This word calls us to surrender to God’s renovating work, recognizing that true renewal comes only through His power.

The word also offers hope – no matter how far we’ve strayed or how broken we feel, God’s power to make new again is complete and thorough. When He renews, He renews completely.

Related Words

• ἀνακαίνωσις (anakainōsis) – renewal, renovation – emphasizes the result of the renewal process See G342
• καινός (kainos) – qualitatively new, fresh – focuses on the quality of newness See G2537
• νέος (neos) – new in time, young – contrasts with καινός by emphasizing temporal newness See G3501
• ἀνανεόω (ananeoo) – to make young again, renew – similar but less intensive than ἀνακαινίζω See G365

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀνα- in ἀνακαινίζω can carry the sense of “upward” as well as “again,” suggesting not just a return to an original state but elevation to an even better condition – a theological truth reflected in how salvation makes us better than Adam’s original state.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of this word family, particularly in contexts of renovation and urban renewal, maintaining the sense of thorough restoration rather than superficial repair.
• The concept of renewal in ἀνακαινίζω influenced early Christian baptismal theology, where baptism was seen as a complete renewal of the person, reflected in the white garments worn by the newly baptized.

Remember This

ἀνακαινίζω reveals that true spiritual renewal is not a patch-up job but a divine renovation that transforms us completely from the inside out through the power of God.