Strong's g352

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-KOOP-toh

Basic Definition

Key Information

ἀνακύπτω

Transliteration: anakyptō Part of Speech: verb First Appears: Luke 13:11 Appears: 4 times

Strong’s Entry

g352

Gloss: anakupto (an-ak-oop’-to) v.1. to unbend, i.e. rise2. (figuratively) be elated[from G303 (in the sense of reversal) and G2955]KJV: lift up, look up Root(s): G303, G2955 

Strong’s G352: ἀνακύπτω (anakyptō) carries the foundational meaning of “to raise oneself up, to lift oneself up, to stand erect.” It describes the physical action of straightening up from a bent position or metaphorically rising up from a state of bondage or oppression. This powerful word captures both literal physical movement and profound spiritual transformation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, upward) and κύπτω (to bend, stoop)
• Primary usage in narrative passages describing physical actions
• Also employed metaphorically in teaching passages
• Found in both literal and figurative contexts in the New Testament
• Classical Greek origin with continued usage through Koine period

ἀνακύπτω Morphology:

• ἀνακύπτω (present active indicative) – I raise up/straighten up
• ἀνέκυψεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she/it raised up
• ἀνακύψαι (aorist active infinitive) – to raise up
• ἀνακύψασα (aorist active participle feminine) – having raised up
• ἀνακύψατε (aorist active imperative) – raise up! (plural command)

Origin & History

The word ἀνακύπτω emerged from classical Greek literature where it was commonly used to describe the physical action of looking up or raising one’s head. Xenophon employs it in his “Cyropaedia” (2.4.18) when describing soldiers lifting their heads to receive orders. In the Septuagint, we find it used both literally and figuratively, as in the powerful moment in Psalm 145:14 (LXX 144:14) where it describes יהוה (Yahweh) raising up those who are bowed down.

The early church fathers expanded its usage to encompass spiritual transformation. Clement of Alexandria, in his “Paedagogus” (1.13), uses ἀνακύπτω to describe the soul’s rising from sin to righteousness, demonstrating the word’s evolution from purely physical to deeply spiritual applications.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To raise oneself up physically from a bent position
• To lift one’s head in hope or expectation
• To rise up from a position of bondage or oppression
• To straighten up completely, implying restoration to full stature

ἀνακύπτω Translation Options:

• “Stand up straight” – Best when describing physical movement from bent to upright position
• “Rise up” – Optimal for contexts involving spiritual or emotional restoration
• “Look up” – Appropriate when the focus is on directing one’s gaze heavenward
• “Straighten oneself” – Useful when emphasizing the complete process of restoration

Biblical Usage

ἀνακύπτω appears at pivotal moments in Scripture where physical posture reflects spiritual reality. Its first appearance in Luke 13:11 describes a woman bound by Satan for eighteen years who could not “straighten up at all.” The Messiah’s healing enables her to ἀνακύπτω – stand erect – symbolizing both physical and spiritual liberation.

In John 8:7, we find Jesus using this word when He “straightened up” after writing on the ground, demonstrating divine authority and wisdom. The word carries special weight in Luke 21:28, where believers are commanded to “stand up and lift up your heads” when seeing signs of redemption drawing near.

Key Biblical References:

• “and was unable to stand upright [ἀνακύπτω].” Luke 13:11
• “He straightened up [ἀνακύπτω] and said to them” John 8:7
• “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up [ἀνακύπτω] and lift up your heads” Luke 21:28

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, physical posture carried profound spiritual significance. Standing upright was associated with dignity and freedom, while being bent over signified bondage and shame. The woman in Luke 13 would have been viewed as bearing not just a physical ailment but possibly spiritual oppression or divine judgment. Her inability to ἀνακύπτω represented both physical limitation and spiritual bondage in the eyes of her community.

The act of standing upright was particularly meaningful in synagogue worship, where the ability to stand before the Torah scroll represented one’s spiritual standing before יהוה (Yahweh). This cultural context adds layers of meaning to the Messiah’s healing, making it not just physical restoration but social and spiritual rehabilitation.

Theological Significance

ἀνακύπτω powerfully illustrates the Messiah’s mission to liberate humanity from all forms of bondage. The physical act of straightening up becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual restoration and the breaking of Satan’s power. This word reminds us that God’s salvation affects the whole person – body, soul, and spirit.

The command to ἀνακύπτω in Luke 21:28 reveals God’s desire for His people to live in confident expectation of His promises, even amid tribulation. It speaks to the believer’s proper posture of hope and readiness for the Messiah’s return, standing tall in faith rather than cowering in fear.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀνακύπτω, we’re reminded that the Messiah’s power enables us to stand tall in His strength, regardless of what has bent us low. Whether facing physical limitations, spiritual oppression, or emotional burdens, we can claim His promise of complete restoration.

This word challenges us to examine our spiritual posture. Are we living bent over by worry, fear, or shame, or are we standing upright in the freedom and dignity that the Messiah purchased for us? His command to “straighten up and lift up your heads” remains a powerful call to confident faith in His promises.

Related Words

• ὀρθόω (orthoō) – to make straight, to set upright; speaks of complete restoration to proper position. See G3717
• ἐγείρω (egeirō) – to raise up, often used of resurrection; emphasizes the power that enables rising. See G1453
• ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) – to stand up, rise up; focuses on the completed action of standing. See G450
• ὑψόω (hypsoō) – to lift up, exalt; emphasizes elevation to a higher position or status. See G5312

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀνακύπτω is still used in medical contexts to describe a patient’s recovery from a bent or prostrate position, maintaining its ancient connection to physical restoration.
• The compound structure of ἀνακύπτω (ἀνά + κύπτω) mirrors other New Testament words that describe spiritual transformation, where the prefix ἀνά- (upward) often signals a movement from a lower to a higher spiritual state.
• The woman in Luke 13 who could not ἀνακύπτω had been bound for exactly 18 years – a number that in Hebrew numerology (gematria) corresponds to חי (chai), meaning “life.” Her ability to finally stand upright symbolized receiving new life through the Messiah.

Remember This

ἀνακύπτω embodies the transformative power of the Messiah to raise us from every form of bondage to stand tall in His strength and dignity, looking up in confident expectation of His promises.