Pronunciation Guide: an-at-ref’-o

Basic Definition

Strong’s G397: ἀνατρέφω (anatrephō) describes the comprehensive process of nurturing, raising, and bringing up someone or something with intentional care and guidance. This rich term encompasses both physical nourishment and holistic development, including emotional, educational, and spiritual cultivation. In biblical usage, it often carries the connotation of divine providence working through human caregivers to develop someone for God’s purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀνά (ana, “up”) + τρέφω (trephō, “to nourish, feed”)
• Primary usage in narrative passages describing personal development
• Common in historical and biographical contexts
• Hellenistic Greek origin with significant presence in Koine literature

ἀνατρέφω Morphology:

• ἀνατρέφω (present active indicative) – I nurture/raise up
• ἀνέθρεψεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she nurtured/raised
• ἀνατεθραμμένος (perfect passive participle) – having been nurtured/raised
• ἀνατραφείς (aorist passive participle) – having been nurtured/raised

Origin & History

The word ἀνατρέφω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe the rearing of children and the cultivation of plants. Xenophon employed it in his “Cyropaedia” when describing the Persian educational system for developing young nobles into capable leaders. The term gained additional spiritual significance in the Septuagint, where it appears in contexts of divine providence and preparation.

In early church fathers’ literature, Clement of Alexandria uses ἀνατρέφω in his “Paedagogus” to describe the nurturing role of Christ as the divine teacher, emphasizing both physical and spiritual development. The word bridges the gap between natural growth and spiritual formation in early Christian thought.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To nourish up from infancy, focusing on comprehensive care and provision
• To rear or bring up to maturity with intentional guidance
• To educate and develop someone for a specific purpose
• To cultivate growth through sustained nurturing attention

ἀνατρέφω Translation Options:

• “To nurture up” – emphasizing the comprehensive nature of development
• “To bring up” – highlighting the progression toward maturity
• “To rear” – focusing on the caregiving aspect
• “To raise” – encompassing both physical and developmental aspects
• “To foster” – emphasizing intentional cultivation

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀνατρέφω in Acts 7:20 describes Moses being “brought up” in his father’s house for three months, highlighting God’s providential care through family. This usage sets a pattern for understanding divine preparation through human instruments. The term appears in contexts where God is orchestrating significant development in the lives of key biblical figures.

The word carries special weight in narratives of preparation for divine service, suggesting that the nurturing process is part of God’s sovereign plan for equipping His servants. This theological dimension elevates ἀνατρέφω beyond mere physical care to encompass spiritual formation and purpose-driven development.

Notable appearances include:

• “In which time Moses was born, and was nurtured [ἀνετράφη] three months in his father’s house” Acts 7:20
• “And Moses was educated [ἀνετράφη] in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” Acts 7:22
• “Bring up [ἐκτρέφετε] your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of nurturing (ἀνατρέφω) was intrinsically linked to the responsibility of passing down both Torah knowledge and practical wisdom. The Hebrew concept of “chinuch” (education) parallels the comprehensive nature of ἀνατρέφω, where raising a child meant cultivating their entire being—body, mind, and soul.

The three-month period mentioned in Moses’ early nurturing (Acts 7:20) holds special significance in Jewish tradition, as it represents the critical initial period of bonding and foundation-laying in a child’s development. This understanding adds depth to the use of ἀνατρέφω in describing Moses’ early care.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνατρέφω in biblical narratives reveals God’s intimate involvement in human development. It demonstrates how the Lord works through family structures and circumstances to prepare individuals for their divine calling. The term appears at crucial junctures in redemptive history, particularly in the account of Moses, highlighting how God’s nurturing providence operates through human agents.

This word choice emphasizes that spiritual formation is not merely academic but encompasses the whole person. It reflects God’s comprehensive approach to developing His servants, working through both natural and supernatural means to equip them for His purposes.

The theological implications extend to understanding God’s role as the ultimate nurturer, working through various means to develop His people into the image of His Son. This reveals His patient, intentional, and comprehensive care in the spiritual formation process.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνατρέφω challenges us to view personal growth and development as a divine-human partnership. Whether we are receiving nurture or providing it to others, we participate in a process that God designed for holistic development. This understanding can transform how we approach parenting, discipleship, and personal spiritual formation.

The comprehensive nature of ἀνατρέφω reminds us that God is interested in developing every aspect of our being—physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. This encourages us to submit all areas of our lives to His nurturing work and to participate actively in others’ development with the same comprehensive care.

Related Words

• τρέφω (trephō) – to nourish, feed, nurture – A foundational word focusing on the provision of sustenance and basic care See G5142
• ἐκτρέφω (ektrephō) – to nourish up to maturity, bring up – Emphasizes the complete process of raising to maturity See G1625
• παιδεύω (paideuō) – to train, educate, discipline – Focuses on the instructional and corrective aspects of development See G3811
• αὐξάνω (auxanō) – to grow, increase – Highlights the natural process of growth and development See G837

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀνατρέφω in ancient Greek education included not just academic instruction but also character formation, physical training, and moral development—a holistic approach that modern educational theorists are only now rediscovering.
• In the ancient world, the process of ἀνατρέφω often involved multiple households and community members, reflecting a communal approach to nurturing that extended beyond immediate family—a practice still preserved in many traditional Jewish communities today.
• The use of ἀνατρέφω in describing Moses’ early years provides a fascinating window into how God used both Hebrew and Egyptian nurturing to prepare him for his unique role—suggesting that God can use diverse cultural influences in developing His servants.

Remember This

ἀνατρέφω represents God’s comprehensive approach to human development, where every experience becomes an opportunity for growth and preparation for divine purposes.