The Greek verb ἀνατρέπω (anatrepō) means “to turn upside down,” “to overturn,” or “to disrupt.” It is derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana), meaning “up” or “again,” and the root τρέπω (trepō), meaning “to turn” or “to direct.” The term generally refers to causing a significant disruption or alteration, often resulting in a complete reversal or upheaval of the normal order.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνατρέπω (G396) is used in the New Testament to describe actions that involve overturning or disrupting the established order. For example, in Acts 17:6, the term is used to describe how Paul and his companions are accused of “turning the world upside down,” reflecting the significant impact and disruption they caused in the cities they visited.

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The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides further insight by noting that ἀνατρέπω conveys a sense of overturning or completely disrupting the existing order or state of affairs. BDAG highlights its use in contexts where the established norms or structures are significantly altered or challenged, emphasizing its connotation of upheaval or reversal.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this understanding by describing ἀνατρέπω as involving the act of turning something upside down or causing a major disruption. The lexicon emphasizes its application in both literal and metaphorical contexts, where it denotes a thorough and impactful alteration of the existing order.

In summary, ἀνατρέπω primarily means “to turn upside down,” “to overturn,” or “to disrupt,” reflecting actions that cause significant upheaval or reversal of the normal order. This interpretation is consistent across Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in describing substantial changes or disruptions in biblical and classical Greek literature.