The Greek verb ἀνέχω (anechō) primarily means “to endure,” “to bear with,” or “to hold up.” It combines the prefix ἀν- (an-), meaning “up,” with the verb ἔχω (echō), meaning “to have” or “to hold.” This term generally conveys the idea of enduring or bearing something with patience or tolerance.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνέχω (G430) is used in the New Testament to convey the sense of enduring or bearing with patience. For example, in 1 Corinthians 13:7, the term describes the quality of love that “bears all things” and “endures all things.” This usage highlights the enduring or tolerant nature of love.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides a more detailed understanding of ἀνέχω. It defines the verb as “to endure,” “to bear with,” or “to hold up.” BDAG notes that ἀνέχω can be used in various contexts to describe enduring hardships, tolerating difficulties, or holding up under pressure. This includes both literal and figurative uses, such as enduring a trial or being patient with others.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon also supports this interpretation, describing ἀνέχω as “to endure” or “to hold up.” LSJ provides examples from classical literature where the term is used to denote enduring hardship or bearing a burden, aligning with its biblical usage to express patience or tolerance.

In summary, ἀνέχω means “to endure,” “to bear with,” or “to hold up,” reflecting a sense of patience or tolerance. This definition is supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each contributing to the understanding of the term’s application in both biblical and classical Greek contexts.