ἀνακράζω

I shout aloud

Definition

The verb ἀνακράζω means to cry out or shout aloud, often with a sense of urgency, intensity, or emotional distress. In the New Testament, it consistently describes a loud, involuntary, or impassioned vocal outburst. In several passages, it denotes the terrified cries of those confronted by the supernatural, such as the demon-possessed man in the synagogue (Mark 1:23, Luke 4:33) and the disciples seeing Jesus walking on water (Mark 6:49). In Luke 8:28, the demoniac cries out in recognition of Jesus's authority. A distinct, non-supernatural use appears in Luke 23:18, where the crowd shouts out demanding Barabbas, showing it can also describe a fervent, collective public demand.

Biblical Usage

ἀνακράζω is used five times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospels (Mark, Luke). Its usage consistently involves moments of high drama, fear, or confrontation. Three occurrences are directly linked to demonic activity or supernatural fear (Mark 1:23, Luke 4:33, Luke 8:28), one to a startling theophanic event (Mark 6:49), and one to a hostile crowd during Jesus's trial (Luke 23:18). The pattern shows it is a verb for intense, reactive shouting, not calm or planned speech.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana, often meaning 'up' but here likely an intensive prefix) combined with the verb κράζω (krazō, G2896), meaning 'to cry out, scream, or call aloud.' Thus, ἀνακράζω intensifies the base meaning to 'cry out loudly' or 'shout vehemently.' Its meaning is closely tied to its root, emphasizing volume and emotional force.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the disruptive power of encountering divine authority. The cries of demons (Mark 1:23, Luke 8:28) are involuntary acknowledgments of Jesus's identity and power as the Holy One of God and Son of the Most High. The crowd's shout in Luke 23:18 tragically inverts this, revealing humanity's rejection of that same authority. Understanding this intense, reactive cry enriches reading by underscoring the visceral impact Jesus had, provoking either terrified confession or hostile demand.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, public crying out was a recognized form of communication for expressing extreme emotion, petitioning deities, or reacting to shocking events. Demon possession was widely accepted as a cultural reality, and such cries would be interpreted as the entity within speaking. The crowd's shout in a legal setting (Luke 23:18) reflects the volatile nature of mobs and the pressure they could exert on authorities.

κράζω (krazō, G2896) — The root verb, a more general term for crying out. | βοάω (boaō, G994) — Often to cry out for help or proclamation; can be less startled/more intentional. | φωνέω (phōneō, G5455) — A more general term for making a sound or calling, often without the intense emotion.

Word Details

Scripture References