Brief Overview of ἐξανάστασις (Strong’s G1815: exanástasis)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for deepening our insight into Biblical texts and their meanings. The Greek word ἐξανάστασις (exanástasis) is particularly significant as it carries profound implications for New Testament interpretation, especially in relation to themes of resurrection, awakening, or arising. This word also holds cultural importance within ancient Greek contexts, where ideas of rising or standing up were frequently employed in philosophical and theological discussions.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐξανάστασις, transliterated as exanástasis [eks-an-AS-ta-sis]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and ἀνάστασις (anástasis, “resurrection” or “a standing up”).
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine; third declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A rising up or a resurrection.
• An awakening from sleep or death.

Similar Words: ἀνάστασις (anástasis) [a-NAS-ta-sis] – This word also means “resurrection” or “a standing up.” While ἀνάστασις generally refers to a more general concept of rising or resurrection, ἐξανάστασις intensifies this by implying a rising from within or an awakening from a deep state.

Further Insights: The word ἐξανάστασις belongs to the third declension of Greek nouns, which can have varied forms based on case and number. It is often used in theological contexts to convey a sense of awakening or revival, making it a powerful term in early Christian literature and discussion.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἐξανάστασις as “a rising up, specifically from death,” and is often used in theological contexts to denote resurrection or revival from a state of death or deep sleep.

Thayers: Highlights the word’s use to mean “a rising again” or “awakening,” specifically emphasizing its application to resurrection narratives in Biblical texts.

Vines: Indicates that ἐξανάστασις primarily refers to a “rising out” or an “awakening,” often used in a spiritual or eschatological sense within early Christian writings.

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LSJ: Focuses on classical and non-biblical uses, noting that it means “an arising” or “a recovery from sleep,” but can also imply resurrection or revival from death.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides the meaning as “resurrection,” often used in conjunction with a revival from a state of death or deep slumber, emphasizing the “out of” aspect that the prefix ἐκ (ek) provides.

Related Scripture References

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐξανάστασις (G1815: exanástasis)

The Greek word ἐξανάστασις conveys a profound concept of rising up or awakening, often from death or a deep state of slumber. Rooted in theological discussions, it has been a significant term in early Christian literature and classical Greek philosophy. Its use in the New Testament, as well as in philosophical works, emphasizes both physical and spiritual awakenings, giving it a rich duality of meaning.

Did You Know?

In early Christian theology, ἐξανάστασις was often used to denote not just the physical resurrection of the body but also a metaphorical or spiritual awakening. This nuanced usage highlights the depth of the Greek language in capturing complex spiritual concepts in early Biblical texts.