ἀνίημι

I let go, loosen, release, give up, neglect

Definition

The verb ἀνίημι primarily means 'to let go, loosen, or release' in a physical sense, as seen when the prisoners' chains were loosed in Acts 16:26. It can also mean 'to relax' or 'slacken,' describing the action of loosening ropes on a ship in Acts 27:40. In a metaphorical or moral sense, it carries the meaning 'to give up,' 'neglect,' or 'desist from,' as in the command not to give up meeting together in Hebrews 13:5 or the instruction for masters to give up threatening in Ephesians 6:9.

Biblical Usage

ἀνίημι is used only four times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative (Acts) and epistolary (Ephesians, Hebrews) contexts. In Acts, it describes concrete, physical actions: the supernatural loosening of bonds in Acts 16:26 and the sailors loosening the ropes of the rudder in Acts 27:40. In the epistles, it is used metaphorically: instructing masters to stop threatening their slaves (Ephesians 6:9) and exhorting believers not to abandon their confidence or fellowship (Hebrews 13:5).

Etymology

Derived from the prefix ἀν- (ana-, often meaning 'up' or indicating reversal) and the root ἵημι (hiēmi, 'to send' or 'to let go'). The compound thus carries the core idea of 'sending away' or 'letting go.' Its meanings developed from the literal physical sense of releasing something to the more abstract senses of relaxing effort or ceasing an activity.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it appears in key ethical exhortations. In Ephesians 6:9, it grounds the master-slave relationship in the impartiality of God, transforming social power dynamics. In Hebrews 13:5, its negative command ('do not give up') reinforces the covenant faithfulness of God as the basis for human perseverance and communal loyalty. Understanding the range from physical release to moral perseverance deepens the call to steadfastness in the Christian life.

In the physical contexts of Acts, the imagery would be immediately understood: prisoners were often chained (Acts 16:26), and the handling of ships' rigging was common knowledge (Acts 27:40). The metaphorical use against 'threatening' (Ephesians 6:9) directly addressed the normative, coercive power Roman masters held over slaves, making the command to 'give it up' culturally counter-cultural and radical.

ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, G863) — more common, broader term for 'send away,' 'forgive,' or 'leave'. λύω (luō, G3089) — focuses on 'loosing' or 'untying' bonds, often used literally. χαλάω (chalaō, G5465) — specifically 'to let down' or 'lower,' as with an object.

Word Details

Scripture References