Understanding ἀναφωνέω (anaphōneō) Strong’s G400: The Divine Exclamation that Heralds Messianic Joy

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-fo-NEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G400: To exclaim, cry out with a loud voice, or speak with uplifted voice. This compound verb describes an intense vocal expression, often associated with divine inspiration or spiritual revelation. It particularly emphasizes the spontaneous nature of the exclamation and its connection to spiritual insight or prophetic utterance.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (compound)
• Derived from ἀνά (ana, “up, again”) + φωνέω (phōneō, “to speak, call out”)
• Primary usage in narrative sections, particularly in contexts of prophetic or Spirit-inspired declarations
• Found in both classical and Koine Greek literature
• Often used in contexts of public proclamation or divine revelation

ἀναφωνέω Morphology:

• ἀναφωνέω (present active indicative) – I cry out, exclaim
• ἀνεφώνησεν (aorist active indicative) – he/she cried out
• ἀναφωνήσασα (aorist active participle feminine) – having cried out
• ἀναφωνοῦντες (present active participle plural) – crying out, exclaiming

Origin & History

The verb ἀναφωνέω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe public proclamations and ceremonial announcements. In Xenophon’s “Anabasis” (4.5.27), it appears in contexts of military commands and public declarations. The Septuagint employs this term in 1 Chronicles 15:28 during the description of the ark’s transportation to Jerusalem, where it characterizes the joyful proclamations accompanying this sacred event.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John,” used ἀναφωνέω to describe Spirit-inspired utterances and prophetic declarations. This usage highlights the term’s evolution from general public proclamation to specifically Spirit-prompted exclamation in biblical and ecclesiastical contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A loud, spontaneous exclamation often prompted by divine inspiration
• A public proclamation or announcement with spiritual significance
• A Spirit-inspired vocal expression of praise or revelation

ἀναφωνέω Translation Options:

• “To cry out” – Emphasizes the spontaneous and emotional nature of the utterance
• “To exclaim aloud” – Highlights the public and audible nature of the proclamation
• “To declare with uplifted voice” – Captures the ceremonial and formal aspects
• “To proclaim spontaneously” – Emphasizes the Spirit-led nature of the utterance

Biblical Usage

The most significant usage of ἀναφωνέω occurs in Luke 1:42, where Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims her recognition of Mary as the mother of her Lord. This instance perfectly exemplifies the word’s connection to Spirit-inspired utterance and prophetic insight.

In the broader biblical context, while the word appears infrequently in the New Testament, its usage in the Septuagint provides important background for understanding its significance in Luke’s gospel. The term consistently appears in contexts of divine revelation and Spirit-inspired proclamation.

• “And she exclaimed [ἀνεφώνησεν] with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!'” Luke 1:42
• “And they brought in the ark of יהוה with shouting [ἀναφωνοῦντες]” 1 Chronicles 15:28

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of a “bat kol” (literally, “daughter of a voice”) referred to a divine echo or heavenly voice that would proclaim God’s will. The use of ἀναφωνέω in Luke 1:42 parallels this cultural understanding, as Elizabeth’s Spirit-inspired exclamation serves as a divine confirmation of Mary’s role in the Messianic narrative.

The public nature of such proclamations was significant in ancient Middle Eastern culture, where verbal declarations carried legal and social weight. Elizabeth’s exclamation thus serves not only as a personal recognition but as a public testimony to the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναφωνέω in Luke 1:42 marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, where the Holy Spirit confirms through Elizabeth the identity of Mary’s child as the promised Messiah. This Spirit-inspired exclamation connects the Old Testament prophetic tradition with its New Testament fulfillment in Yeshua (Jesus).

The spontaneous nature of the proclamation emphasizes the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in revealing divine truth. Elizabeth’s exclamation demonstrates how God often uses unexpected vessels to declare His purposes, showing His grace in enabling ordinary people to perceive and proclaim extraordinary spiritual realities.

Personal Application

When we encounter the use of ἀναφωνέω in Scripture, we’re reminded that God still speaks through His people today. While we may not experience the same type of prophetic utterance as Elizabeth, we can be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to declare God’s truth boldly and joyfully.

This word challenges us to consider how we respond to divine revelation in our own lives. Are we willing to proclaim God’s truth publicly and spontaneously when the Spirit moves us? Elizabeth’s example encourages us to be bold in our testimony and quick to acknowledge God’s work in others’ lives.

Related Words

• βοάω (boaō) – to cry out, shout – Similar in intensity but lacks the specific connection to Spirit-inspired utterance See G994
• κράζω (krazō) – to cry out, scream – More emotional and intense, often used in contexts of distress or strong feeling See G2896
• φωνέω (phōneō) – to call, speak loud – The root word, lacking the intensification of ἀνα- prefix See G5455
• κηρύσσω (kēryssō) – to proclaim, preach – More formal and intentional proclamation See G2784

Did you Know?

• The compound structure of ἀναφωνέω, with its ἀνα- prefix, suggests not just speaking but speaking “up” or “again,” emphasizing both the volume and the heavenward direction of the proclamation.
• In modern Greek, derivatives of this word are still used in musical and theatrical contexts to describe powerful vocal projections, maintaining its connection to significant public declarations.
• The specific instance of ἀναφωνέω in Luke 1:42 is part of a larger pattern in Luke’s gospel where women play crucial roles in recognizing and proclaiming Messianic truth, challenging cultural norms of the time.

Remember This

ἀναφωνέω embodies the powerful intersection of divine inspiration and human proclamation, where Spirit-filled believers become vessels of God’s truth through spontaneous, joy-filled declaration.