Pronunciation Guide: ah-NAH-pay-ros

Basic Definition

Strong’s G376: ἀνάπηρος describes a person with a physical disability or impairment that affects mobility or bodily function. The term specifically denotes someone who is “maimed” or has lost the use of limbs or other body parts, whether from birth, accident, or disease. This word carries deep significance in biblical contexts as it often appears in passages about God’s special concern for those with physical challenges.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again, back) and πηρός (maimed, disabled)
• Adjective used substantively as a noun
• Common in medical and descriptive texts
• Appears in both narrative and teaching passages
• Used in contexts of social care and divine healing

ἀνάπηρος Morphology:

• ἀνάπηρος (nominative singular masculine) – a disabled person
• ἀναπήρου (genitive singular) – of a disabled person
• ἀναπήρῳ (dative singular) – to/for a disabled person
• ἀνάπηροι (nominative plural) – disabled persons
• ἀναπήρους (accusative plural) – disabled persons

Origin & History

The term ἀνάπηρος has a rich history in classical Greek literature, appearing in medical texts by Hippocrates where it described various physical impairments and their treatments. In his work “On Joints,” Hippocrates uses the term to discuss individuals with mobility challenges requiring medical attention.

The Septuagint translators employed this word sparingly but significantly, particularly in contexts where physical disability intersected with social care and divine provision. The term gained additional theological significance in early Christian literature, with writers like Clement of Alexandria using it in his “Paedagogus” to discuss the Church’s responsibility toward those with physical challenges.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who has lost the use of limbs or body parts
• A person with significant physical impairment
• Someone requiring assistance due to bodily limitation
• An individual with mobility challenges

ἀνάπηρος Translation Options:

• “Disabled” – Most common modern rendering, though lacks some nuance
• “Maimed” – Traditional translation capturing physical aspect but potentially dated
• “Physically impaired” – More precise clinical translation
• “Person with disability” – Person-first language preferred in contemporary contexts
• “Those with physical challenges” – Broader inclusive translation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνάπηρος appears most prominently in Luke 14:13, where Jesus instructs His followers to invite “the poor, the maimed [ἀναπήρους]” to their feasts. This usage reveals the Messiah’s heart for inclusion and dignity of those often marginalized in society.

The word appears in contexts emphasizing God’s special concern for those facing physical challenges and the early Church’s responsibility to care for them. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s particular attention to those whom society might overlook or marginalize.

Cross References:

• “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed [ἀναπήρους]” Luke 14:13
• “The poor and the maimed [ἀναπήρους] and the lame and the blind” Luke 14:21

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish society, physical disability often carried significant social and religious implications. Many mistakenly associated disability with divine punishment, as evidenced in John 9:2. However, Jesus consistently challenged these prejudices, demonstrating that physical impairment was an opportunity for God’s works to be displayed (John 9:3).

The use of ἀνάπηρος in Luke’s Gospel particularly resonates with the Hebrew concept of חֶסֶד (chesed) – God’s covenant faithfulness and loving-kindness – showing how the Messiah’s ministry specifically included those with physical challenges in His kingdom purposes.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἀνάπηρος in Scripture reveals profound theological truths about God’s character. It demonstrates that physical disability does not diminish a person’s worth in God’s eyes or their place in His kingdom. Rather, God often works through those with physical challenges to display His power and grace.

This word choice in Luke’s Gospel particularly emphasizes how the Messiah’s kingdom inverts worldly values, where those often excluded by society are specifically included by God. It reveals that physical limitation is not a barrier to spiritual significance or divine purpose.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνάπηρος challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward those with physical disabilities. Do we, like our Messiah, actively include and honor those with physical challenges in our communities? This word reminds us that every person, regardless of physical ability, bears God’s image and has a vital role in His kingdom work.

The term calls us to practical action – not just theoretical acceptance but active inclusion and honor of those with physical challenges in our faith communities and daily lives.

Related Words

• χωλός (chōlos) [kho-LOS] – lame, crippled; focuses specifically on leg impairments – See G5560
• τυφλός (typhlos) [toof-LOS] – blind; often used metaphorically for spiritual blindness – See G5185
• κυλλός (kullos) [kool-LOS] – crippled, specifically in hands; more limited in scope than ἀνάπηρος – See G2948
• ἀσθενής (asthenēs) [as-then-ACE] – weak, infirm; broader term including illness and weakness – See G772

Did you Know?

• The word ἀνάπηρος influenced modern Greek medical terminology, where similar compounds are still used in clinical diagnoses.
• Archaeological evidence from first-century Jerusalem shows special accommodations made in some public spaces for people with physical disabilities, suggesting some level of social consciousness about accessibility.
• The early Church’s care for those described as ἀνάπηρος was so remarkable that even pagan writers like Julian the Apostate noted it as a distinguishing characteristic of the Christian community.

Remember This

ἀνάπηρος reminds us that in God’s kingdom, physical limitation never limits divine purpose or personal worth.