### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀνακύπτω (anakýptō, `{{G352}}`) is a compound word derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana, `{{G303}}`), signifying "up" or "reversal," and the verb κύπτω (kyptō, `{{G2955}}`), meaning "to bend forward" or "to stoop." Therefore, its core meaning is "to unbend," "to straighten up," or "to lift one's head." This literal sense encompasses the physical action of rising from a stooped or bent position. Figuratively, the word can convey a sense of being restored, encouraged, or even "elated," though its primary biblical usage emphasizes the physical action with strong theological implications rather than mere emotional elation. The "reversal" aspect of the prefix ἀνά is crucial, indicating a change from a downward or dejected posture to an upright or hopeful one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνακύπτω (anakýptō, `{{G352}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its semantic range and theological depth:
* **[[Luke 13:11]]**: "And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and she was bent over and could in no way *straighten up* (ἀνακύψαι)." Here, the word describes the physical inability of the woman to unbend from her severely stooped posture. It highlights the oppressive nature of her infirmity, which literally prevented her from looking up or standing erect. Jesus' subsequent healing act (ἀνωρθώθη, `{{G4500}}`, "she was made straight") directly reverses this inability, demonstrating His power over physical bondage.
* **[[Luke 21:28]]**: "Now when these things begin to happen, *look up* and *lift up your heads* (ἀνακύψατε), because your redemption draws near." In this eschatological context, Jesus instructs His disciples to adopt a posture of hopeful anticipation rather than fear or despair amidst the signs of the end times. The command to "lift up your heads" is a metaphorical call to courage, vigilance, and expectant faith, contrasting with a posture of dejection or defeat. It signifies a turning of one's gaze towards the coming salvation.
* **[[John 8:7]]**: "So when they continued asking Him, He *straightened up* (ἀνακύψας) and said to them..."
* **[[John 8:10]]**: "When Jesus had *straightened up* (ἀνακύψας) and saw no one but the woman, He said to her..."
In both instances from John 8, ἀνακύπτω describes Jesus' physical action of rising from a stooped position (presumably writing on the ground) to address the crowd or the woman. This physical act marks a significant transition in the narrative, drawing attention to His authoritative words and actions. His straightening up signals a moment of revelation, judgment, or compassionate engagement, shifting the focus from the accusers' hidden thoughts to His divine wisdom and grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀνακύπτω (anakýptō, `{{G352}}`) is illuminated by its component parts and related terms:
* **κύπτω (kyptō, `{{G2955}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to bend down" or "to stoop," represents the antithesis of ἀνακύπτω. The contrast between bending down (often in humility, grief, or shame) and straightening up is central to understanding ἀνακύπτω.
* **ἀνά (ana, `{{G303}}`)**: The prefix "up" or "again/reversal" emphasizes the upward movement and the restoration from a previous state.
* **ἀνωρθόω (anorthoō, `{{G4500}}`)**: "To make straight again, restore to an upright position." This verb is used in [[Luke 13:13]] to describe the woman's healing, directly paralleling the outcome of being able to ἀνακύπτω.
* Concepts associated with ἀνακύπτω include liberation, healing, restoration, hope, courage, attentiveness, and the assertion of authority or dignity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνακύπτω (anakýptō, `{{G352}}`) is profound, moving beyond mere physical action to symbolize deeper spiritual realities:
* **Liberation and Restoration**: In [[Luke 13:11]], the inability to ἀνακύπτω represents the crushing weight of infirmity and spiritual bondage. Jesus' act of healing, which enables the woman to straighten up, symbolizes His power to liberate humanity from the oppressive forces that keep them bent under the burden of sin, sickness, or despair. It is a powerful image of restoration to dignity and freedom.
* **Hope and Expectation**: The imperative in [[Luke 21:28]] transforms ἀνακύπτω into a posture of faith. In the face of impending tribulation, believers are called not to cower in fear but to "lift up their heads" in hopeful anticipation of divine redemption. This is a theological call to look upward to God's ultimate plan, trusting in His sovereignty and the promise of salvation, rather than being fixated on earthly troubles.
* **Divine Authority and Revelation**: Jesus' actions of ἀνακύπτω in [[John 8:7]] and [[John 8:10]] signify moments of profound theological weight. His straightening up draws attention to His divine authority, His penetrating wisdom in the face of human hypocrisy, and His compassionate grace towards the sinner. It marks a shift from a posture of humble engagement with the dust of the earth to one of authoritative declaration and unveiling of truth.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀνακύπτω (anakýptō, `{{G352}}`) fundamentally describes the physical act of "unbending," "straightening up," or "lifting one's head." However, its biblical occurrences imbue it with rich theological significance. It powerfully illustrates liberation from physical and spiritual bondage, as seen in the healing of the bent woman in [[Luke 13:11]]. Furthermore, it serves as an imperative for believers to adopt a posture of hopeful expectation and courage in the face of eschatological events, looking upward to their approaching redemption ([[Luke 21:28]]). Finally, Jesus' own actions of ἀνακύπτω in [[John 8:7]] and [[John 8:10]] underscore moments of divine authority, revelation, and compassionate engagement. In essence, ἀνακύπτω signifies a transformative movement from a state of oppression, dejection, or humble stooping to one of freedom, hope, and authoritative declaration, reflecting the profound work of God in human lives.
TRV