ἀνακλίνω

I make to recline, I recline at a table

Definition

The verb ἀνακλίνω primarily means 'to cause to recline' or 'to lay down,' often in the context of positioning someone for a meal or rest. In its active voice, it describes the action of making others recline, as when Jesus commands the crowds to recline on the grass before the feeding miracles (Matthew 14:19, Luke 9:15). In the passive voice, it means 'to recline oneself,' typically at a dining table, a posture for eating in the ancient world (Luke 7:36, 12:37). A distinct, more literal sense is 'to lay down' an infant, as seen when Mary laid the baby Jesus in a manger (Luke 2:7).

Biblical Usage

ἀνακλίνω is used eight times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospels. Its usage consistently involves scenes of dining or resting. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), it appears in narratives of Jesus feeding the multitudes (Matthew 14:19, Mark 6:39, Luke 9:15) and in teachings about the messianic banquet (Matthew 8:11, Luke 13:29). Luke also uses it in a parable about a serving master (Luke 12:37) and in the story of Jesus dining at a Pharisee's house (Luke 7:36). The single non-meal usage is the tender description of Jesus being laid in the manger (Luke 2:7).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana, often meaning 'up' or 'back') and the verb κλίνω (klinō, meaning 'to lean,' 'bend,' or 'incline'). The compound thus carries the sense of 'to lean back' or 'to recline.' It is not from ἀν- meaning 'not' as previously noted; that is a different prefix. The root idea is one of positioning or inclining the body.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is intimately connected to Jesus's ministry of hospitality and the imagery of the Kingdom of God. The act of reclining at a table symbolizes fellowship, celebration, and acceptance. In passages like Matthew 8:11 and Luke 13:29, Jesus uses the image of many reclining at the feast in the kingdom of heaven, portraying eschatological salvation as a joyous banquet with the patriarchs. Understanding this specific posture enriches the reading of these texts, moving beyond simple 'eating' to the concept of honored rest and intimate community in God's future restoration.

In the Greco-Roman world, reclining on couches (typically leaning on the left elbow) was the standard posture for formal dining and feasting among free persons, as opposed to sitting on chairs. It was a sign of leisure, honor, and fellowship. To 'recline at table' was to participate fully in a social or celebratory meal. This contrasts with modern dining customs and helps explain why the posture is so frequently mentioned in accounts of Jesus's meals and parables about banquets.

κατακλίνω (kataklinō, G2625) — a near synonym also meaning 'to make recline,' used in Luke 7:36 and 9:14-15, often interchangeable. ἀναπίπτω (anapiptō, G377) — means 'to fall back' or 'recline,' used in John 13:23-25 for reclining at the Last Supper.

Word Details

Scripture References