ἀνατίθημι

I lay a case before, impart, communicate, relate

Definition

The verb ἀνατίθημι means to lay something before someone, typically with the purpose of communication, consultation, or presentation. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries the sense of formally presenting a matter for consideration. In Acts 25:14, Festus 'lays Paul's case before' King Agrippa, describing the legal situation for review. In Galatians 2:2, Paul states he 'set before' the Jerusalem apostles the gospel he preached among the Gentiles, implying a presentation for validation and to avoid having 'run in vain.' The word often implies a strategic or purposeful disclosure aimed at gaining feedback, approval, or counsel.

Biblical Usage

ἀνατίθημι is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts of strategic communication to an authoritative audience. In Acts 25:14, it describes a Roman official (Festus) presenting a legal case to a king. In Galatians 2:2, it describes the apostle Paul presenting his theological message to the apostolic leadership in Jerusalem. In both uses, the action is deliberate and carries significant consequences, involving matters of judgment (legal in Acts, doctrinal in Galatians).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana, often 'up' or 'again') and the verb τίθημι (tithēmi, 'to put, place, or set'). The compound thus literally means 'to place up' or 'to set before.' It is not from ἀν- (a negative prefix) as previously noted. The core idea is of placing something in front of someone, which developed into the meanings of presenting, communicating, or relating for a specific purpose.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in Galatians 2:2, where it highlights the principle of apostolic accountability and the unity of the gospel message. Paul's act of 'laying before' the Jerusalem leaders his gospel demonstrates that even an apostle directly commissioned by Christ operated within the community of faith, seeking confirmation to preserve doctrinal harmony. It underscores that the gospel is not a private revelation but a public truth to be examined and affirmed within the church, guarding against subjective error.

In the Greco-Roman world, formally 'laying a case before' someone was a recognized practice in legal, political, and philosophical circles. It involved presenting facts or arguments to a person of authority or a group for deliberation and decision. This cultural practice informs both biblical uses: Festus follows Roman administrative procedure, and Paul adopts a recognized method of seeking peer validation for his teaching, showing his engagement with both Jewish and Hellenistic norms of discourse.

παρατίθημι (paratithēmi, G3908) — also means 'to set before,' but often in the sense of serving food or plainly presenting facts without the strong connotation of seeking counsel. ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō, G518) — means 'to report, announce, or tell,' focusing more on the act of declaration than on the purpose of consultation.

Word Details

Scripture References