Understanding ἀνορθόω (anorthoō) Strong’s G461: The Divine Power to Make Straight What Was Bent

Pronunciation Guide: an-or-tho’-o (ah-nor-THO-oh)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G461: ἀνορθόω (anorthoō) conveys the powerful action of making straight again, restoring to uprightness, or rebuilding something that has fallen. In its biblical usage, it carries the profound imagery of divine restoration, whether physical or spiritual. The word beautifully captures both the immediate act of straightening what is bent and the broader concept of complete restoration to proper function and purpose.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound word from ἀνά (ana, “up, again”) + ὀρθόω (orthoō, “to make straight”)
• Verb: Used primarily in narrative and teaching passages
• Classical Greek origin with significant usage in medical contexts
• Found in both literal and metaphorical contexts in biblical literature

ἀνορθόω Morphology:

• ἀνορθόω (present active indicative) – I make straight, restore
• ἀνορθῶσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to make straight
• ἀνωρθώθη (aorist passive indicative) – was made straight
• ἀνορθώσω (future active indicative) – I will make straight

Origin & History

The word ἀνορθόω has a rich history in classical Greek literature, particularly in medical writings. Hippocrates used it in his medical treatises to describe the straightening of bent limbs or the proper setting of bones. In the Septuagint, it appears notably in rebuilding contexts, such as in Ezra where it describes the restoration of the Temple.

In early Christian literature, Church Fathers like John Chrysostom (Homilies on Matthew) expanded its meaning to encompass spiritual restoration, drawing parallels between physical straightening and moral rectification. This dual application of physical and spiritual straightening became a powerful metaphor in Christian teaching.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To make straight or erect again what has fallen or been bent
• To rebuild or restore structures to their original state
• To strengthen what has become weak
• To establish firmly what has been shaken

ἀνορθόω Translation Options:

• “To make straight again” – Best for physical restoration contexts
• “To restore completely” – Appropriate for structural renovation contexts
• “To set upright” – Ideal for immediate physical transformation
• “To rebuild” – Preferred for architectural contexts
• “To strengthen” – Suitable for metaphorical strengthening

Biblical Usage

The most striking usage of ἀνορθόω appears in Luke 13:13 where Yeshua heals a woman bent double for eighteen years. The word powerfully captures both the physical straightening of her body and the spiritual restoration of her dignity. This healing miracle demonstrates the Messiah’s authority over both physical and spiritual bondage.

In the Septuagint, ἀνορθόω appears in contexts of national and spiritual restoration, particularly in prophetic literature. It carries the hope of divine intervention and complete restoration.

Key Biblical References:

• “And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made straight [ἀνορθώθη]” Luke 13:13
• “In that day I will raise up [ἀνορθώσω] the fallen booth of David” Amos 9:11
• “Strengthen [ἀνορθώσατε] the weak hands” Hebrews 12:12

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, physical posture held deep spiritual significance. Standing upright was seen as the natural God-given position of humanity, reflecting the image of the Creator. Being bent over was associated with shame, bondage, and the curse. The woman in Luke 13 wasn’t just physically bent; she was culturally viewed as bearing a visible mark of bondage, making her restoration through ἀνορθόω particularly powerful in that context.

The architectural usage in Temple restoration contexts also carried deep cultural significance, as the Temple represented יהוה (Yahweh)’s presence among His people. The act of ἀνορθόω in rebuilding wasn’t just construction but a spiritual act of restoring proper worship and divine communion.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνορθόω reveals God’s character as the ultimate Restorer. Whether in physical healing, spiritual renewal, or national restoration, it portrays Him as the One who makes straight what sin has bent and raises what has fallen. This word powerfully demonstrates that God’s restoration is not merely about returning to a previous state but about complete transformation to His intended design.

The connection between physical and spiritual straightening in ἀνορθόω also points to the holistic nature of divine redemption. When Yeshua uses this word in healing, He demonstrates that His salvation addresses both physical and spiritual needs, bringing complete restoration to the whole person.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀνορθόω, we recognize that no situation is too bent or broken for divine straightening. Just as the woman bent double for eighteen years was made straight, God can straighten the crooked areas of our lives – whether physical ailments, spiritual struggles, or life circumstances that have left us bent under their weight.

This word encourages us to bring our areas of brokenness to the Master Restorer, trusting that He can make straight what seems permanently bent. It reminds us that God’s restoration is complete, addressing both our visible needs and deeper spiritual condition.

Related Words

• καταρτίζω (katartizō) – to mend, perfect, restore fully – See G2675
• ἀποκαθίστημι (apokathistēmi) – to restore to former state – See G600
• ἐγείρω (egeirō) – to raise up, lift up – See G1453
• οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) – to build up, edify – See G3618

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀνορθόω is still used in medical contexts for the correction of orthopedic conditions, maintaining its ancient connection to physical straightening and healing.
• The prefix ἀνα- in ἀνορθόω carries the idea of “again” or “up,” suggesting not just straightening but a return to an original upright position, reflecting God’s intent to restore His creation to its intended state.
• The healing of the bent woman in Luke 13 occurred on Shabbat, highlighting how ἀνορθόω connects to God’s work of restoration superseding religious regulations, as Yeshua declared this daughter of Abraham should be “loosed” from her bond on the Sabbath day.

Remember This

ἀνορθόω reminds us that in God’s kingdom, what is bent will be made straight, what is broken will be restored, and what has fallen will rise again through His transformative power.