ἀναδίδωμι

I send up, deliver, hand over

Definition

The verb ἀναδίδωμι (anadidōmi) means 'to give up,' 'to hand over,' or 'to deliver.' In its only New Testament occurrence in Acts 23:33, it describes the soldiers handing over Paul's letter to the governor Felix. This specific use conveys the formal transfer of a person or item to a higher authority. The prefix 'ana-' can imply upward motion or a sense of return, so the word can carry the nuance of delivering something upward or back to its proper place. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, its basic sense aligns with other Greek verbs for handing over or delivering.

Biblical Usage

ἀναδίδωμι is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:33. In this narrative context, it describes the action of the Roman cavalry delivering Paul and a letter from the tribune Claudius Lysias to Governor Felix in Caesarea. The usage is administrative and legal, focusing on the formal transfer of a prisoner and correspondence to a superior official. This single instance shows the word employed in a secular, procedural setting within the book of Acts.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana, meaning 'up,' 'again,' or 'back') combined with the verb δίδωμι (didōmi, meaning 'to give'). Thus, the compound verb literally means 'to give up' or 'to give back.' It is not from ἀν- (a negative prefix) as previously noted. The root δίδωμι is a very common verb for giving, and the prefix adds a directional or completive sense, indicating the action is carried through to a conclusion, often involving transfer to another party.

Semantic Range

In the Roman world of the New Testament, the formal 'handing over' of prisoners, documents, or authority was a standard administrative procedure. The use in Acts 23:33 reflects the precise, orderly process of the Roman military and legal system. The word captures the expected protocol where subordinates report and deliver items or persons to their superiors, ensuring accountability within the chain of command. This context highlights the orderly nature of Paul's transfer, which God used to advance the gospel to Rome.

παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi, G3860) — more common, emphasizes handing over, often with a sense of betrayal or surrender. ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, G591) — emphasizes giving back, restoring, or paying what is due.

Word Details

Scripture References