### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anazáō**, represented by `{{G326}}`, describes the act of reviving or living again. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used to convey a return to life, both in a literal, physical sense and in a figurative, spiritual sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G326}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is found in the parable of the prodigal son, where the father exclaims that his son "was dead, and **is alive again**" ([[Luke 15:24]], [[Luke 15:32]]), linking the word to joyful restoration from a lost state. Paul uses it theologically to describe how sin "**revived**" with the arrival of the law, causing spiritual death [[Romans 7:9]]. It is also applied directly to Christ, who "died, and rose, and **revived**" to establish His lordship over the dead and the living [[Romans 14:9]]. Finally, it is used eschatologically, stating that "the rest of the dead **lived** not **again**" until a specific time, tying the term to the event of the first resurrection [[Revelation 20:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of life and death associated with **anazáō**:
* `{{G2198}}` **záō** (to live): As the root word, it provides the core concept of life. It is used to describe God as the "**living** God" [[2 Corinthians 6:16]] and is contrasted with death when Jesus declares that a believer, though he were dead, "yet shall he **live**" [[John 11:25]].
* `{{G3498}}` **nekrós** (dead): This word is the direct opposite of being alive and is often used in the same context as `{{G326}}` to create a stark contrast, such as with the prodigal son who was "**dead**" and is now alive again [[Luke 15:24]] or in reference to the resurrection of the "**dead**" [[Revelation 20:5]].
* `{{G599}}` **apothnḗskō** (to die off): This verb is paired with `{{G326}}` to describe a sequence of events. Paul states that when sin revived, "I **died**" [[Romans 7:9]], and it is used for Christ, who "**died**, and rose, and revived" [[Romans 14:9]].
* `{{G386}}` **anástasis** (a standing up again, i.e. a resurrection from death): This term is explicitly connected to `{{G326}}` in Revelation, where the concept of the dead not living again is immediately followed by the explanation, "This is the first **resurrection**" [[Revelation 20:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G326}}` is significant, highlighting key scriptural themes.
* **Spiritual Restoration:** Its use in the parable of the prodigal son frames salvation and repentance as a form of revival—a return to life from a state of spiritual death [[Luke 15:24]]. The restoration from being "lost" `{{G622}}` is equated with coming to life again.
* **Christ's Victory over Death:** The term is central to Christ's work, as he "revived" to become Lord over both the "**dead**" `{{G3498}}` and "**living**" `{{G2198}}` [[Romans 14:9]]. His revival is a demonstration of His ultimate authority.
* **The Nature of Sin:** In a powerful reversal, `{{G326}}` is used to illustrate the power of sin. For Paul, the law did not bring life but instead caused sin to "**revive**," which in turn brought death [[Romans 7:9]].
* **Future Resurrection:** The word is used to describe the literal resurrection of the dead in the end times, defining participation in the "first **resurrection**" `{{G386}}` as the act of living again [[Revelation 20:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G326}}` is a dynamic term that encapsulates the concept of returning to life. Whether describing the figurative restoration of a son, the theological activation of sin, the literal revival of Christ after His death, or the future resurrection of believers, **anazáō** consistently points to a dramatic transition from a state of death to a state of life.
TRV