Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-PEI-thō (ἀ-να-πεί-θω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G374: ἀναπείθω describes the act of persuading someone to change their mind or beliefs, often with implications of moving away from a previously held position. In biblical usage, it frequently carries negative connotations of persuading someone against truth or proper conduct. The word combines the intensifying prefix ἀνα- (ana-) with the root πείθω (peithō), suggesting a thorough or complete persuasion that results in a significant shift in thinking or behavior.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνα- (up, again) + πείθω (to persuade)
• Primary usage in narrative sections of Acts
• Found in classical Greek literature and Koine Greek
• Transitive verb requiring direct object
• Often used in legal or political contexts

ἀναπείθω Morphology:

• ἀναπείθω (present active indicative) – I persuade thoroughly
• ἀναπείθει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she persuades thoroughly
• ἀνέπεισεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she persuaded thoroughly
• ἀναπείθων (present active participle) – persuading thoroughly
• ἀναπεῖσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to persuade thoroughly

Origin & History

The word ἀναπείθω emerged in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in political and legal contexts. Thucydides employs it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” to describe political manipulation and the persuasion of allies to change allegiances. In Xenophon’s “Anabasis,” the term appears in contexts of military and diplomatic negotiations where one party attempts to convince another to abandon previous commitments.

In the Hellenistic period, the word took on additional nuances in philosophical discourse. Plutarch uses ἀναπείθω in his “Moralia” to discuss the process of changing deeply held convictions, often with a critical eye toward sophistic manipulation. The compound form with ἀνα- intensifies the basic meaning of πείθω, suggesting a complete reversal or thorough persuasion that moves someone from one position to another.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To persuade thoroughly or completely, often against one’s better judgment
• To induce someone to abandon previously held beliefs or practices
• To win over through persistent argumentation or rhetoric
• To convince someone to change sides or positions
• To influence through persuasive speech, often with negative implications

ἀναπείθω Translation Options:

• “To persuade against” – Emphasizes the contrary nature of the persuasion
• “To induce” – Captures the causative aspect of moving someone to action
• “To win over” – Reflects the successful outcome of the persuasion
• “To influence away from” – Highlights the directional shift in belief or behavior
• “To thoroughly convince” – Emphasizes the completeness of the persuasion

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναπείθω appears most notably in Acts 18:13, where Paul is accused of persuading people to worship God contrary to the law. This usage reflects the word’s frequent employment in contexts of religious or ideological controversy. The charge against Paul ironically mirrors the accusations often leveled against the Messiah Himself, who was also accused of leading people astray from traditional religious practices.

The intensifying prefix ἀνα- suggests that this persuasion involves a complete reversal of previous beliefs or practices, making it particularly relevant in contexts of religious conversion or apostasy. In the biblical context, the word often carries implications of persuasion that moves people either toward or away from divine truth.

Biblical Cross References:

• “This man persuades [ἀναπείθει] men to worship God contrary to the law.” Acts 18:13

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the art of persuasion (πειθώ) was highly valued and carefully studied. Professional rhetoricians and sophists made their living by teaching persuasive techniques, and the ability to sway public opinion was considered a crucial skill for political and legal success. The addition of the prefix ἀνα- to πείθω created a term that suggested not just simple persuasion but a complete reversal of previously held convictions.

This cultural context helps explain why the accusation against Paul in Acts 18:13 was considered so serious. The Jewish leaders weren’t merely suggesting that Paul was teaching alternative ideas; they were accusing him of systematically undermining established religious convictions and practices, making his actions appear subversive to both Jewish and Roman authorities.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναπείθω in Acts 18:13 presents an interesting theological paradox. While Paul’s accusers used the term negatively, suggesting he was leading people astray, his message was actually leading people to the truth of the Messiah. This reflects a broader biblical theme where what appears to be subversive to human religious systems may actually be aligned with God’s purposes.

The word also highlights the transformative nature of the Gospel message. True conversion often requires a complete reorientation of beliefs and practices, which is precisely what the prefix ἀνα- suggests. However, unlike mere human persuasion, this transformation is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, Who convinces and convicts hearts of truth.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἀναπείθω in Scripture, it challenges us to examine the nature of true persuasion in our own spiritual lives and ministries. As believers, we are called to be persuasive in sharing our faith, yet we must do so with integrity, relying on the Holy Spirit rather than manipulative techniques. The word reminds us that genuine spiritual transformation often requires a complete reorientation of our thinking and beliefs.

This understanding can help us approach evangelism and discipleship with greater wisdom and sensitivity. While we seek to persuade others of the truth of the Gospel, we must remember that true conviction comes from the Holy Spirit, not from human rhetoric or pressure tactics.

Related Words

• πείθω (peithō) – to persuade, convince – Basic root word expressing simple persuasion. See G3982
• μεταπείθω (metapeithō) – to change one’s mind through persuasion – Similar compound but with different directional focus. See G3331
• συμπείθω (sympeithō) – to join in persuading – Emphasizes collective persuasion efforts. See G4825
• παραπείθω (parapeithō) – to persuade contrary to truth – Another compound emphasizing misleading persuasion. See G3875

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek courts, professional persuaders called “logographers” would write speeches for clients, often using ἀναπείθω to describe their attempts to change the judges’ minds.
• The concept of ἀναπείθω was so significant in ancient Greek culture that there was actually a goddess named Peitho, who personified seduction and persuasion, showing how central the idea of persuasion was to Greek thought.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀναπείθω in legal contexts, particularly when describing situations where someone is convinced to change their testimony or legal position.

Remember This

ἀναπείθω reminds us that true spiritual transformation involves a complete reorientation of beliefs and behavior, but such transformation must come through the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit rather than mere human persuasion.