Strong's g357

Pronunciation Guide: an-al-og-id’-zom-ahee

Basic Definition

Key Information

ἀναλογίζομαι

Transliteration: analogizomai Part of Speech: verb First Appears: Hebrews 12:3 Appears: 1 times

Strong’s Entry

g357

Gloss: analogizomai (an-al-og-id’-zom-ai) v.1. to estimate2. (figuratively) contemplate[middle voice from G356]KJV: consider Root(s): G356 

Strong’s G357: To reckon up, to consider in comparison, to weigh carefully, to ponder deeply. This reflective verb emphasizes intentional, analytical meditation that compares different aspects or experiences to draw meaningful conclusions. In its sole New Testament usage, it specifically relates to comparing our struggles with the Messiah’s sufferings to gain spiritual perspective and endurance.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, again) + λογίζομαι (to reckon, count, consider)
• Middle deponent verb (passive form with active meaning)
• Primarily used in didactic (teaching) passages
• Common in philosophical and analytical contexts
• Found in both Koine and Classical Greek literature

ἀναλογίζομαι Morphology:

• ἀναλογίζομαι (present middle indicative) – I consider carefully
• ἀναλογίσασθε (aorist middle imperative) – carefully consider! (command)
• ἀναλογισάμενος (aorist middle participle) – having carefully considered
• ἀναλογίζεσθαι (present middle infinitive) – to carefully consider

Origin & History

The word ἀναλογίζομαι emerged from classical Greek mathematical and philosophical discourse. Plato employs it in “Republic” (Book 10) when discussing the soul’s contemplation of eternal truths. Aristotle uses it in “Nicomachean Ethics” for analytical comparison of moral principles.

In the Septuagint, while the exact form ἀναλογίζομαι is rare, related words from the same root appear in wisdom literature, particularly in passages about careful deliberation and spiritual reflection. The Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria frequently uses this term when discussing contemplation of divine truths and comparing earthly examples to spiritual realities.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John” and Clement of Alexandria in “Stromateis,” expanded its usage to specifically describe the spiritual discipline of comparing one’s experiences with biblical truths and the Messiah’s life.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Careful analytical comparison of multiple factors or experiences
• Deep contemplation leading to practical conclusions
• Systematic evaluation of spiritual truths against life experiences
• Reflective meditation that produces spiritual insight

ἀναλογίζομαι Translation Options:

• “Consider carefully” – Emphasizes the thorough nature of the contemplation
• “Ponder deeply” – Highlights the meditative aspect
• “Analyze comparatively” – Stresses the analytical comparison involved
• “Reflect systematically” – Emphasizes the methodical nature of the consideration
• “Weigh thoughtfully” – Captures both the careful and comparative aspects

Biblical Usage

ἀναλογίζομαι appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:3, where believers are commanded to “consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself.” This strategic placement emphasizes the importance of comparative spiritual reflection, particularly in contexts of persecution and spiritual endurance.

The author of Hebrews employs this precise term to encourage a specific type of meditation – not merely casual remembrance, but systematic comparison between our struggles and the Messiah’s sufferings. This careful word choice suggests that proper spiritual endurance requires analytical contemplation of Yeshua’s example.

While the exact form appears only once in the New Testament, related concepts of careful spiritual reflection appear throughout Scripture:

• “For consider [ἀναλογίσασθε] Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself.” Hebrews 12:3

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek philosophical schools, ἀναλογίζομαι was a technical term for a specific type of meditation exercise where students would systematically compare their actions and experiences with those of their philosophical ideal or master. This practice was meant to shape both understanding and behavior.

Similarly, in ancient Jewish pedagogical tradition, particularly in rabbinic schools, students were encouraged to practice hitbonenut (התבוננות) – systematic reflection on Torah and their teacher’s example. This cultural background illuminates why the author of Hebrews chose this specific term to describe how believers should reflect on Messiah’s example.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναλογίζομαι in Hebrews 12:3 reveals a profound theological truth about spiritual formation. By choosing this specific term, the Holy Spirit indicates that genuine spiritual endurance isn’t merely about remembering Yeshua’s suffering, but about engaging in systematic comparison between His experience and ours.

This careful word choice suggests that proper spiritual reflection should be both analytical and transformative. It’s not enough to simply recall the facts of Messiah’s suffering; we must engage in careful consideration of how His example relates to our current circumstances. This process of comparative reflection becomes a means of grace, helping us maintain perspective and perseverance in our spiritual journey.

Personal Application

When facing trials or persecution, we are called to practice this deep, analytical reflection on Messiah’s example. This isn’t mere casual remembrance, but a systematic exercise of comparing our struggles with His perfect endurance. Such reflection helps maintain proper perspective and builds spiritual resilience.

Consider setting aside regular time for this type of systematic reflection, perhaps journaling specific comparisons between your current challenges and aspects of Yeshua’s suffering and endurance. This practice can transform our response to trials from mere endurance to meaningful spiritual growth.

Related Words

• λογίζομαι (logizomai) – to count, reckon, consider – Similar base meaning but without the intensive aspect of careful comparison. See G3049
• διαλογίζομαι (dialogizomai) – to consider, reason, debate – Emphasizes internal dialogue or reasoning process rather than comparative analysis. See G1260
• καταλογίζομαι (katalogizomai) – to count against, reckon to one’s account – Focuses on attribution or accounting rather than contemplation. See G2661
• συλλογίζομαι (syllogizomai) – to reason together, conclude – Emphasizes drawing conclusions rather than the process of consideration. See G4817

Did you Know?

• The mathematical term “analogy” derives from the same root as ἀναλογίζομαι, reflecting its original connection to proportional comparison and analytical thinking.
• In modern Greek, derivatives of ἀναλογίζομαι are still used in academic and philosophical contexts to describe systematic analytical thinking and comparative reflection.
• The intensive prefix ἀνα- in ἀναλογίζομαι suggests not just surface-level consideration but a “building up” of understanding through careful comparison – similar to how we might analyze data point by point to build a complete picture.

Remember This

ἀναλογίζομαι calls us to transform our trials through systematic reflection on Messiah’s perfect example, turning moments of suffering into opportunities for deeper spiritual formation and endurance.