ἀναδίδωμι

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word anadídōmi, represented by G325, describes the act of delivering something. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole use points to a formal or official act of handing something over.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single use of G325 occurs in Acts 23:33. In this verse, those escorting Paul (G3972) arrive in Caesarea (G2542) and deliver a letter (G1992 epistolḗ) to the governor (G2232 hēgemṓn). This act is part of a larger sequence of events where Paul is also presented (G3936 parístēmi) before this authority, signifying a transfer of custody and information.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context of this delivery:

• G1992 epistolḗ (a written message): This is the object that is delivered. It is used elsewhere to refer to Paul's letters to the churches, which were intended to be read and obeyed 2 Thessalonians 3:14.
• G2232 hēgemṓn (a leader, i.e. chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province): This defines the recipient of the delivery as a figure of official authority, such as when Jesus was delivered to Pilate the governor Matthew 27:2.
• G3936 parístēmi (to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer... present): This action occurs alongside the delivery of the letter, as Paul is presented before the governor. The word is also used to describe presenting oneself to God Romans 12:1.

Theological Significance

While extremely rare, the use of G325 carries a specific procedural weight.

• Formal Transfer: The word's context in Acts 23:33 shows a formal handover of an official document, an epistle (G1992), to a legal authority, the governor (G2232).
• Accompanied Presentation: The delivery of the letter is directly linked to the presentation of a person. After the letter is delivered (G325), Paul (G3972) is also presented (G3936) before the governor Acts 23:33.
• Procedural Act: The action marks a key step in a legal or administrative process, ensuring that both the message and the person involved are brought before the correct authority.

Summary

In summary, G325 anadídōmi is a highly specific term for a formal delivery. Though used only once, its context in Acts 23:33 clearly defines it as the act of handing over a written document to an official. It functions within a narrative of transfer, alongside the presentation of a person to a ruling authority, illustrating a crucial step in a chain of events.