ἀναβάλλω

I postpone, defer

Definition

The verb ἀναβάλλω (anaballō) means to postpone, defer, or put off to a later time. In its only New Testament occurrence in Acts 24:22, it carries the specific legal sense of deferring a judicial hearing or trial. The word can imply a deliberate delay in decision-making or action. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, in broader Greek literature it could also mean to throw something up or back, but the biblical usage focuses entirely on the concept of postponement.

Biblical Usage

ἀναβάλλω is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 24:22. Here, the Roman governor Felix, after hearing the accusations against Paul and his defense, postpones the case, saying he will decide it when the tribune Lysias arrives. The usage is strictly within a formal Roman legal context, describing the deferral of a judicial proceeding.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana), often meaning 'up' or 'again,' and the verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast.' Literally, it means 'to throw up' or 'to throw back.' This literal sense evolved metaphorically to mean 'to postpone' or 'to defer,' as if throwing a matter to a later point in time.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is not theologically loaded, its single use in Acts 24:22 is significant for understanding God's providence in Paul's ministry. Felix's postponement, perhaps for selfish reasons (see Acts 24:25-26), inadvertently allowed Paul more time in custody in Caesarea, where he continued to bear witness to the gospel before rulers. This illustrates how even human delays can be woven into God's sovereign plan for the spread of the message.

In the Roman legal system depicted in Acts, a governor like Felix had broad authority to manage his court docket. Postponing a case (anaballō) was a common procedural action, often to gather more information or witnesses. For the original readers, this term would immediately convey an official, judicial delay, not merely a casual putting off of a task.

μέλλω (mellō, G3195) — to be about to, intend; focuses on future intention rather than deliberate deferral. ὑπερτίθεμαι (hupertithemai, G5237) — to put off, postpone; a closer synonym, but not used in the NT.

Word Details

Scripture References