Understanding ἀναπτύσσω (anaptussō) Strong’s G380: Unrolling Ancient Scrolls – A Window into Sacred Jewish Scripture Reading

Pronunciation Guide: an-ap-toos’-so

Basic Definition

Strong’s G380: To unroll, unfold, or open up by unrolling, specifically referring to the physical act of opening a scroll. In biblical usage, this word carries deep cultural significance as it describes the reverent handling of sacred Scripture scrolls in Jewish worship settings. The word appears just once in the New Testament, describing the Messiah Jesus unrolling the Isaiah scroll in the synagogue.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb from ἀνά (up, again) + πτύσσω (to fold)
• Used primarily in narrative contexts describing physical actions
• Common in Hellenistic literature for handling scrolls and documents
• Primary usage in formal or ceremonial contexts

ἀναπτύσσω Morphology:

• ἀναπτύσσω (present active indicative) – I unroll/unfold
• ἀναπτύξαι (aorist active infinitive) – to unroll/unfold
• ἀναπτύξας (aorist active participle) – having unrolled/unfolded
• ἀνέπτυξε(ν) (aorist active indicative) – he/she/it unrolled/unfolded

Origin & History

The word ἀναπτύσσω emerged from classical Greek literature where it originally described any form of unfolding or opening up. Xenophon uses it in his “Cyropaedia” (7.5.11) to describe unfolding military formations. In the Septuagint, though rare, it appears in 2 Kings 19:14 (4 Kingdoms 19:14 LXX) where Hezekiah “spreads out” a letter before יהוה (Yahweh).

By the Hellenistic period, the word had developed a specialized meaning in literary contexts, particularly referring to the careful unrolling of scrolls. This technical usage is reflected in various papyri from Egypt, where it describes the handling of official documents and literary texts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To unroll or open (physical scrolls or documents)
• To unfold or spread out (in a spatial sense)
• To disclose or reveal (metaphorically)
• To explain or expound (by extension)

ἀναπτύσσω Translation Options:

• “Unroll” – Best captures the physical action with sacred scrolls
• “Open” – More general but loses the specific scroll imagery
• “Unfold” – Preserves the original meaning but less commonly used
• “Spread out” – Appropriate for non-scroll contexts

Biblical Usage

The singular New Testament usage of ἀναπτύσσω occurs in Luke 4:17, where Jesus enters the synagogue in Nazareth and is handed the scroll of Isaiah. The careful choice of this word emphasizes the reverence and ceremonial nature of handling sacred Scripture in Jewish worship.

In the Septuagint, while rare, its usage consistently carries a sense of formal or significant action. The word appears in contexts where documents or items of importance are being carefully handled or displayed, particularly in religious or royal settings.

Biblical Cross References:

• “And when He had unrolled [ἀναπτύξας] the scroll, He found the place where it was written” Luke 4:17

Cultural Insights

In first-century synagogue worship, the Torah and Prophets scrolls were handled with utmost reverence. The physical act of unrolling a scroll was not merely functional but ceremonial. The scroll would be carefully unrolled using both hands, with readers taking great care not to touch the text directly with their fingers. Often, a special pointer called a yad (meaning “hand” in Hebrew) would be used to follow the text while reading.

The specific mention of ἀναπτύσσω in Luke’s account provides a vivid picture of Jesus participating in and honoring Jewish worship traditions, while simultaneously fulfilling the very prophecies He was unrolling to read. This moment represents a beautiful convergence of Jewish practice and Messianic fulfillment.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναπτύσσω in Luke 4:17 carries profound theological significance. As Jesus unrolls the Isaiah scroll, He physically opens Scripture while spiritually beginning to unfold its ultimate meaning in Himself. This act symbolizes the greater “unrolling” or revelation of God’s redemptive plan, where the Messiah opens our understanding to see Him as the fulfillment of all Scripture.

The careful choice of this word emphasizes the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and their fulfillment in Jesus. It shows Him operating within the established patterns of Jewish worship while simultaneously transforming them through His presence and proclamation.

Personal Application

When we approach Scripture today, we can learn from the reverence implied in ἀναπτύσσω. While we may not physically unroll scrolls, we can approach God’s Word with similar care and anticipation. Just as Jesus deliberately unrolled the scroll to find “the place where it was written,” we too should be intentional and reverent in our handling and reading of Scripture.

This word reminds us that every time we open our Bibles, we’re participating in a sacred act that connects us to thousands of years of faithful Scripture reading and divine revelation.

Related Words

• πτύσσω (ptussō) – to fold, roll up; the root word showing the opposite action of rolling up what has been unrolled See G4428
• ἀνοίγω (anoigō) – to open, often used for opening books or minds to understanding See G455
• εἱλίσσω (heilissō) – to roll up, especially of scrolls; appears in descriptions of the end times See G1507
• ἀποκαλύπτω (apokaluptō) – to uncover, reveal; sharing the concept of making something known See G601

Did you Know?

• The ancient scrolls Jesus would have read from were made of parchment or papyrus and could be up to 30 feet long. They required great care in handling to prevent damage, making the act of ἀναπτύσσω a skilled and deliberate process.
• In modern Greek, ἀναπτύσσω has evolved to mean “to develop” or “to expand,” maintaining its core concept of opening up or unfolding but in a more metaphorical sense.
• The synagogue scroll of Isaiah discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls (1QIsaa) would have been similar to the one Jesus unrolled, requiring two hands to manage its weight and size while reading.

Remember This

ἀναπτύσσω captures the beautiful moment when divine revelation meets human reverence – the careful unrolling of sacred Scripture that opens the way for transformative truth.