Understanding ἀνατάσσομαι (anatassomai) Strong’s G392: The Ancient Art of Orderly Narrative Composition in Luke’s Gospel

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-TASS-oh-my

Basic Definition

Strong’s G392: To arrange in order, compile, or compose an orderly account. This rare Greek verb describes the careful process of gathering and arranging information into a systematic narrative. In Luke 1:1, it specifically refers to the methodical compilation of historical accounts about the Messiah’s life and ministry.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (up, again) + τάσσω (to arrange, order)
• Middle voice verb indicating personal involvement in the action
• Found primarily in narrative literature
• Used in historical and documentary contexts
• Demonstrates intentional literary composition

ἀνατάσσομαι Morphology:

• ἀνατάσσομαι (present middle indicative) – I compile/arrange
• ἀνατάξασθαι (aorist middle infinitive) – to compile/arrange
• ἀνατεταγμένος (perfect passive participle) – having been compiled/arranged

Origin & History

The verb ἀνατάσσομαι emerges from classical Greek administrative and literary contexts. Polybius (Histories 1.1.4) uses it to describe the systematic arrangement of historical records. In the Ptolemaic papyri, it appears in reference to organizing official documents and creating detailed inventories.

The compound structure reflects the thorough nature of the arranging process – ἀνά suggesting “from bottom to top” or “again,” combined with τάσσω, the common verb for ordering or arranging. This combination emphasizes the comprehensive and methodical nature of the compilation process.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To arrange data systematically from various sources into a coherent whole
• To compile and organize information methodically for presentation
• To reconstruct events in their proper sequence
• To draw up an orderly account based on careful investigation

ἀνατάσσομαι Translation Options:

• “to compile an account” – emphasizes the gathering and organizing of source material
• “to draw up an orderly narrative” – highlights the sequential arrangement aspect
• “to set forth in order” – stresses the methodical presentation
• “to reconstruct systematically” – focuses on the careful reassembly of information

Biblical Usage

The term appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 1:1, where Luke describes his careful methodology in composing his Gospel account. Its usage here is significant as it demonstrates Luke’s commitment to historical accuracy and orderly presentation of the Messiah’s life story.

While rare in biblical Greek, its use in Luke’s prologue aligns with Hellenistic historiographical conventions, suggesting Luke’s intention to present his Gospel as a serious historical work following the highest standards of ancient historical writing.

• “Forasmuch as many have undertaken to compile [ἀνατάξασθαι] a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us” Luke 1:1

Cultural Insights

In the Hellenistic world, historical writing followed specific conventions that signaled credibility to educated readers. Luke’s use of ἀνατάσσομαι in his prologue deliberately echoes the language of respected historians like Thucydides and Polybius, who emphasized their careful methodology in gathering and arranging historical data.

The term would have resonated particularly with educated Gentile readers familiar with formal historical works, assuring them that Luke’s account met the highest standards of historical documentation in the Greco-Roman world.

Theological Significance

Luke’s choice of ἀνατάσσομαι carries profound theological implications. It demonstrates that the Gospel message, while spiritually inspired, is grounded in careful historical investigation and documentation. This methodical approach to preserving the account of Yeshua’s life and ministry shows that our faith is based on historical events that were carefully investigated and documented, not merely on religious traditions or myths.

The use of this term also reflects the divine-human partnership in Scripture’s composition – while divinely inspired, the Gospel writers engaged in thorough historical research and careful literary composition to present their accounts accurately and effectively.

Personal Application

When studying Scripture, we can take comfort in knowing that the Gospel accounts were carefully researched and systematically arranged. Luke’s methodical approach reminds us to be diligent in our own study of God’s Word, taking time to carefully examine and arrange our understanding of biblical truth.

This careful attention to detail in preserving the account of our Messiah’s life should inspire us to be equally thorough in how we share our faith with others, ensuring we present the Gospel message both accurately and systematically.

Related Words

• συντάσσω (syntassō) – to arrange together, put in order – reveals similar emphasis on systematic arrangement See G4929
• διατάσσω (diatassō) – to arrange thoroughly, ordain – shares the root concept of ordering See G1299
• τάσσω (tassō) – to arrange, appoint – the root verb showing basic ordering concept See G5021
• ἐπιτάσσω (epitassō) – to command, order – demonstrates authoritative arrangement See G2004

Did you Know?

• The same Greek root τάσσω is still used in modern Greek military terminology for “arranging troops in formation,” preserving the ancient sense of orderly arrangement.
• Ancient historians like Lucian of Samosata wrote detailed instructions about proper historical methodology that parallel Luke’s approach described by ἀνατάσσομαι, showing Luke’s adherence to the highest standards of ancient historical writing.
• The middle voice of ἀνατάσσομαι suggests Luke’s personal involvement in the investigation and arrangement of his Gospel account, rather than merely copying existing sources.

Remember This

ἀνατάσσομαι represents the beautiful synthesis of divine inspiration and human scholarship in the careful preservation and presentation of the Gospel message.