Strong's g386

Pronunciation Guide: ah-NAS-tah-sis

Basic Definition

Key Information

ἀνάστασις

Transliteration: anastasis Part of Speech: noun First Appears: Matthew 22:23 Appears: 42 times

Strong’s Entry

g386

Gloss: anastasis (an-as’-tas-is) n.1. a standing up again2. (literally) a resurrection from death3. (individual, genitive case or by implication) its author4. (figuratively) a recovery or moral recovery of spiritual truth[from G450]KJV: raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again Root(s): G450 

Strong’s G386: ἀνάστασις (anastasis) refers to the act of rising up from death to life, specifically denoting resurrection of the body. In its broader theological context, it encompasses the supernatural transformation from mortality to immortality. This profound concept represents not just a return to physical life, but a complete renewal and glorification of the body through Divine power.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word from ἀνά (ana, “up, again”) + στάσις (stasis, “standing”)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Frequently appears in resurrection accounts and doctrinal discussions
• Common in apocalyptic literature

ἀνάστασις Morphology:

• ἀνάστασις (nominative singular) – resurrection
• ἀναστάσεως (genitive singular) – of resurrection
• ἀναστάσει (dative singular) – in/by resurrection
• ἀνάστασιν (accusative singular) – resurrection (as direct object)

Origin & History

The concept of ἀνάστασις evolved significantly from classical Greek to biblical usage. In classical Greek literature, such as Aeschylus’s works, it primarily meant “a rising up” or “removal,” often in political or physical contexts. However, the Septuagint (LXX) translators began using it more specifically for resurrection, particularly in passages like 2 Maccabees 7:14 where it describes the hope of bodily resurrection.

Early Church Fathers like Justin Martyr (Dialogue with Trypho) and Irenaeus (Against Heresies) extensively developed the theological implications of ἀνάστασις, emphasizing its connection to both the Messiah’s resurrection and the future resurrection of believers. Their writings demonstrate how the term became central to Christian doctrine, distinguishing it from Greek philosophical concepts of immortality.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete restoration of life after death
• Rising up from a prone or fallen position (literal usage)
• Metaphorical rising up from spiritual death
• Transition from mortality to immortality

ἀνάστασις Translation Options:

• “Resurrection” – Most precise when referring to rising from death
• “Rising again” – Appropriate for contexts emphasizing the return aspect
• “Standing up again” – Useful for literal physical rising
• “Revival” – Suitable for metaphorical usage in spiritual contexts
• “Resurrection-life” – Helpful for conveying the ongoing state

Biblical Usage

ἀνάστασις appears 42 times in the New Testament, first emerging in Matthew 22:23 where Sadducees question the resurrection. The term gains prominence in resurrection narratives and apostolic teaching, particularly in Paul’s epistles where it becomes foundational to Christian hope.

The resurrection of the Messiah serves as the paradigm for understanding ἀνάστασις, establishing both its possibility and its nature. This usage creates a theological framework that connects individual resurrection hope with the Messiah’s victory over death.

Key verses include:

• “The Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection [ἀνάστασις]” Matthew 22:23
• “I am the resurrection [ἀνάστασις] and the life” John 11:25
• “There will be a resurrection [ἀνάστασις] of both the righteous and the wicked” Acts 24:15
• “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection [ἀνάστασις]” Philippians 3:10
• “Women received back their dead by resurrection [ἀνάστασις]” Hebrews 11:35

Cultural Insights

In Second Temple Judaism, resurrection belief varied significantly among different sects. The Pharisees championed bodily resurrection, while Sadducees rejected it entirely. This theological divide reflected deeper questions about Divine power and the nature of the afterlife. The Hebrew concept of תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים (techiyat hameitim – resurrection of the dead) formed the foundation for understanding ἀνάστασις in Jewish-Christian thought.

The Greek world, influenced by Platonic dualism, generally preferred the concept of immortality of the soul over bodily resurrection. This cultural tension explains why Paul’s preaching of ἀνάστασις at the Areopagus (Acts 17:32) provoked such diverse reactions among his Athenian audience.

Theological Significance

ἀνάστασις represents the ultimate display of Yahweh’s power over death and His commitment to restore creation. The resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus) serves as the firstfruits of this restoration, guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. This concept demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ability to bring life from death.

The doctrine of ἀνάστασις connects intimately with other key theological themes: justification (as divine vindication), glorification (as transformation), and new creation (as cosmic renewal). It proves that God’s redemptive purpose extends to the whole person – body, soul, and spirit.

The reality of ἀνάστασις also establishes the value of the physical body in God’s economy, countering both ancient and modern forms of dualism that devalue physicality. It affirms that salvation includes the redemption of the material world, not just spiritual realities.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνάστασις should transform how we view both death and life. Just as the Messiah’s resurrection changed everything for His disciples, our hope of resurrection should influence our daily choices and priorities. This truth provides comfort in grief, courage in persecution, and motivation for holy living.

The power of resurrection isn’t just a future hope – it’s available now through the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers. We can experience “resurrection life” in the present as we walk in newness of life, allowing God’s transforming power to work in us daily.

Related Words

• ἐγείρω (egeirō) – to wake up, raise up – More general term for rising, often used for resurrection but can also mean simply getting up from sleep or illness. See G1453
• ζωοποιέω (zōopoieō) – to make alive – Emphasizes the life-giving aspect of resurrection. See G2227
• ἔγερσις (egersis) – a rising up – Rare noun form specifically used for resurrection. See G1454
• ἀνίστημι (anistēmi) – to stand up, rise – Verbal form related to ἀνάστασις, used for both literal rising and resurrection. See G450

Did you Know?

• The ancient Egyptian ankh symbol (☥) represented life after death, but ἀνάστασις introduced a radically different concept of bodily resurrection rather than just spiritual survival.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀνάστασις, particularly during Easter celebrations where “Χριστός ἀνέστη!” (Christos anesti! – Christ is risen!) is the traditional greeting.
• The early Christian catacombs in Rome feature the Greek letters alpha and omega alongside resurrection symbols, connecting ἀνάστασις with the eternal nature of God.

Remember This

ἀνάστασις embodies the transformative power of God that turns death into life, defeat into victory, and mourning into dancing – it’s the ultimate demonstration that with God, all things are truly possible.