ἀνάληψις
a taking up, lifting up
Definition
ἀνάληψις refers to the act of taking up or lifting up. In its sole New Testament occurrence, Luke 9:51, it specifically denotes the ascension or 'taking up' of Jesus Christ into heaven. This usage carries a strong sense of exaltation and departure to the divine realm. While the word can have a general secular meaning of 'taking up' an object, its biblical application is uniquely focused on this pivotal event in Christ's life.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 9:51: 'When the days drew near for him to be taken up (ἀνάληψις), he set his face to go to Jerusalem.' Here, it functions as a key theological term, foreshadowing Jesus's ascension. The context is the start of his final journey to Jerusalem, framing his entire passion, resurrection, and ultimate exaltation as a unified divine mission.
Etymology
Derived from the verb ἀναλαμβάνω (analambanō, G353), meaning 'to take up, receive up.' It is composed of the prefix ἀνά (ana), meaning 'up' or 'again,' and the root related to λαμβάνω (lambanō), meaning 'to take.' Thus, the noun literally means 'a taking up.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it points directly to the Ascension of Jesus, a core doctrine affirming his exaltation and return to divine glory (Acts 1:9-11). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting how Luke 9:51 frames Jesus's entire journey toward Jerusalem as a movement toward his heavenly glorification, not just his crucifixion.
In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a 'taking up' (analēpsis) could refer to the assumption of a hero or emperor into the realm of the gods. Luke's use of this term would resonate with that cultural backdrop, presenting Jesus's ascension as the true and definitive exaltation, surpassing all pagan narratives.
ἀνάβασις (anabasis, G305) — emphasizes the 'ascent' or journey upward. ἀνάλημψις (analēmpsis, a variant spelling) — an alternate form of the same word with identical meaning.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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