ἐπανάγω
I put out, go up
Definition
ἐπανάγω is a Greek verb with two primary meanings in the New Testament. In a nautical context, it means 'to put out to sea' or 'to launch out,' as seen when Jesus instructs Simon Peter to 'put out a little from the land' (Luke 5:3) and then to 'put out into the deep' (Luke 5:4). In a non-nautical sense, it means 'to return' or 'to go back,' as used when Jesus 'was returning' to Jerusalem in the morning (Matthew 21:18). The word combines the ideas of motion (to lead or bring) with a directional prefix, yielding these distinct applications.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only three times in the New Testament, all in the Gospels. Its usage is split between two clear contexts. In Luke 5:3-4, it is used in a literal, nautical setting for launching a boat from shore. In Matthew 21:18, it is used in a general travel context meaning to return or go back to a place (Jerusalem). There is no figurative or theological usage; it describes simple physical movement.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'to') combined with the verb ἀνάγω (anagō, meaning 'to lead up' or 'to bring up'). Ἀνάγω itself is common in nautical language for 'putting out to sea.' Thus, ἐπανάγω intensifies or specifies the action as 'leading up onto' something, which in practice meant moving a vessel onto the open water or, more generally, returning to a previous point.
Semantic Range
The nautical sense reflects the everyday reality of fishing on the Sea of Galilee, a central part of life for Jesus's first disciples. A boat was 'put out' from the shallow, safe waters near shore into the deeper, more dangerous, and more productive open water. This action was a prerequisite for casting nets. Understanding this enriches the scene in Luke 5, where Jesus's command to 'put out into the deep' is a practical step that leads to a miraculous catch.
ἀνάγω (anagō, G321) — The root verb, also meaning 'to put out to sea' or 'to lead up,' but without the intensive or return nuance of ἐπί. ὑποστρέφω (hypostrephō, G5290) — A more common general term for 'to return' or 'turn back,' used in many travel narratives.
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.
Full methodology & sources →