from ἐκ and ἀνατέλλω; to start up out of the ground, i.e. germinate:--spring up.
Transliteration:exanatéllō
Pronunciation:ex-an-at-el'-lo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1816 (exanatéllō) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek, meaning "out of" or "from") and the verb ἀνατέλλω (anatéllō, meaning "to rise" or "to spring up"). This etymology precisely defines its core meaning: "to spring up out of the ground," "to germinate," or "to sprout forth." It describes the initial emergence of something from a hidden or latent state into visible existence, specifically in the context of plant life. The "ex-" prefix emphasizes the movement *out from* a previous condition or location, while "anatéllō" conveys the upward motion and appearance. Thus, the semantic range is tightly focused on the commencement of growth and the visible manifestation of what was previously concealed, particularly in botanical terms.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1816 (exanatéllō) appears twice in the New Testament, both times within the Synoptic Gospels and specifically in parables concerning the Kingdom of God.
1. **[[Matthew 13:26]]**: In the parable of the weeds (or tares) among the wheat, Jesus describes the initial growth of the grain: "But when the grain had sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also appeared." Here, exanatéllō describes the moment the wheat "sprouted" or "sprang up," becoming visible above the ground. This initial emergence is crucial because it is at this stage that the weeds, which had been sown secretly, also become apparent, making the distinction between the two possible. The word highlights the *visible manifestation* of what was previously hidden beneath the soil, setting the stage for the subsequent development and eventual separation.
2. **[[Mark 4:32]]**: In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus illustrates the extraordinary growth of the Kingdom: "But when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." The phrase "grows up" or "springs up" is exanatéllō. In this context, it emphasizes the initial, vital act of germination from the smallest of seeds, leading to an unexpectedly large and sheltering plant. It underscores the miraculous and inherent power of life within the seed to emerge and develop into something significant from humble beginnings.
In both instances, G1816 refers to the *initial, crucial phase of growth* where the plant breaks through the soil and becomes visible, signifying a commencement of development and a revelation of its nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms share conceptual ground with G1816 (exanatéllō), primarily related to growth, development, and emergence:
* ἀνατέλλω (anatéllō, `{{G393}}`): The base verb, meaning "to rise," "to spring up," or "to cause to rise." Often used for the rising of the sun or the growth of plants. exanatéllō adds the nuance of "out of."
* φύω (phyō, `{{G5453}}`): To grow, bring forth, produce. More general than exanatéllō, encompassing the entire process of growth.
* βλαστάνω (blastanō, `{{G985}}`): To sprout, bud, or produce fruit. Similar to exanatéllō in denoting initial growth, but can also refer to the bearing of fruit.
* αὐξάνω (auxanō, `{{G837}}`): To grow, increase, or cause to grow. This term emphasizes the *increase* or *enlargement* of something, rather than just its initial emergence.
* σπείρω (speirō, `{{G4687}}`): To sow, referring to the act of planting the seed from which something will exanatéllō.
* Concepts: Germination, sprouting, emergence, new life, growth, manifestation, development from a hidden state.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1816 (exanatéllō) is deeply intertwined with its parabolic settings, offering profound insights into the nature of the Kingdom of God and spiritual reality.
1. **The Kingdom's Humble Beginnings and Divine Power**: In the parable of the mustard seed ([[Mark 4:32]]), exanatéllō highlights that the Kingdom of God, despite its humble and seemingly insignificant beginnings (like a tiny seed), possesses an inherent, divinely ordained power to "spring up" and grow into something vast and encompassing. This speaks to God's miraculous agency in initiating and sustaining growth, transforming the seemingly insignificant into something mighty and life-giving. It reassures believers that the small, often unseen, workings of God will ultimately yield abundant fruit.
2. **Revelation and Discernment**: In the parable of the weeds ([[Matthew 13:26]]), the "sprouting up" of the grain is the moment of its visible manifestation. Crucially, it is also the moment when the weeds, previously indistinguishable or hidden, are revealed alongside the good grain. Theologically, this points to the reality that both good and evil will grow together in the world until the appointed time of separation. exanatéllō thus signifies the *unveiling* or *manifestation* of what was sown, whether good or bad, emphasizing that the true nature of things will eventually become apparent. This has implications for spiritual discernment and the eschatological reality of judgment.
3. **Life from Concealment**: The core meaning of "springing up *out of the ground*" carries the theological implication of life emerging from a state of concealment or even death. Just as a seed must "die" in the ground to bring forth new life, the Kingdom of God and spiritual growth often begin in hidden ways, only to "spring forth" into visible reality through God's power. This resonates with themes of resurrection and new creation.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1816 (exanatéllō) precisely describes the act of "springing up" or "germinating" from the ground, emphasizing an emergence from a hidden state into visible existence. Its two New Testament occurrences, both in parables of the Kingdom of God ([[Matthew 13:26]], [[Mark 4:32]]), imbue it with significant theological weight. In the parable of the mustard seed, it underscores the miraculous and divinely empowered growth of the Kingdom from humble beginnings into a vast reality. In the parable of the weeds, it highlights the moment of visible manifestation, where both good and evil become discernible, hinting at the eventual revelation and discernment that precedes final judgment. Thus, exanatéllō speaks to God's sovereign power in initiating growth, the eventual manifestation of what is sown, and the dynamic process of life emerging from concealment.
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