ἀνετάζω

I examine judicially

Definition

The verb ἀνετάζω means to examine someone formally, typically in a judicial or investigative context. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the process of interrogating a person, often under duress or torture, to extract information or a confession. This examination is not a casual inquiry but an official procedure, as seen when the Roman tribune orders Paul to be 'examined by flogging' (Acts 22:24). The word implies a thorough, systematic questioning aimed at uncovering the truth, with the potential for physical coercion being a recognized method of the era.

Biblical Usage

ἀνετάζω is used only twice in the New Testament, both occurrences in Acts 22. In Acts 22:24, the Roman tribune commands that Paul be examined by scourging to learn why the crowd was shouting against him. In Acts 22:29, the tribune's fear upon learning Paul is a Roman citizen is directly linked to the fact that he had ordered him to be bound for this examination. Its usage is strictly confined to a legal, Roman judicial context involving interrogation with the threat or application of torture.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana, often with an intensive sense of 'up' or 'again') and the root verb ἐτάζω (etazō), meaning 'to test' or 'to examine.' The compound form intensifies the meaning to a formal or judicial examination. It is related to ἔτασις (etasis), meaning 'a stretching' or 'strain,' which conceptually connects to the idea of rigorous testing or interrogation.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the reality of persecution and unjust suffering faced by early Christians, particularly Paul, as they bore witness to the gospel. It underscores the contrast between human judicial systems, which can resort to brutality, and divine justice. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Acts by revealing the serious legal peril Paul was in and God's providential protection (through his Roman citizenship) in the midst of a hostile judicial process.

In the Greco-Roman world, judicial examination (ἀνέτασις, anetasis) of slaves, foreigners, or those of lower status often involved torture, which was legally sanctioned as a means to obtain reliable testimony. The use of ἀνετάζω in Acts 22 reflects this standard Roman legal practice. The tribune's immediate alarm upon learning Paul's citizenship (Acts 22:29) stems from the fact that Roman citizens were legally exempt from such degrading and brutal interrogation methods.

ἐξετάζω (exetazō, G1833) — to examine or inquire carefully, but without the specific connotation of judicial torture. ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō, G350) — to examine, investigate, or question judicially, a broader legal term for preliminary examination.

Word Details

Scripture References