### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀναλαμβάνω (analambánō, `{{G353}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀνά (aná, `{{G303}}`), meaning "up," "again," or "back," and the verb λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`), meaning "to take" or "to receive." Therefore, the core meaning of ἀναλαμβάνω is "to take up," "to lift up," or "to receive up."
The semantic range of ἀναλαμβάνω encompasses several nuances:
1. **Physical Ascent/Uplifting:** This is the most literal sense, denoting the act of physically raising something or someone from a lower to a higher position.
2. **Reception/Taking In:** It can describe the act of receiving someone into a group, a vehicle, or a place, implying an inclusion or acceptance.
3. **Divine Exaltation/Ascension:** In its most profound theological application, it refers to a divine act of taking someone, particularly Christ, into a heavenly realm or a state of glory. This implies a transition from an earthly to a celestial existence or position of authority.
4. **Resumption/Taking Back:** Less common, but the "ana" prefix can sometimes imply a taking *back* or *again*, though this is less prominent in its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀναλαμβάνω appears in several significant New Testament passages, most notably in connection with the ascension of Jesus Christ.
* **The Ascension of Christ:** This is the most prominent theological use.
* In [[Mark 16:19]], following his resurrection, "the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." This succinctly describes Christ's exaltation.
* [[Luke 9:51]] states, "When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." Here, "taken up" (ἀναλαμβάνω) foreshadows Jesus' ultimate ascension, framing his journey to Jerusalem and passion as a necessary prelude to his glorification.
* The book of Acts, written by Luke, frequently uses this verb to describe Jesus' ascension. [[Acts 1:2]] speaks of Jesus being "taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen." [[Acts 1:11]] records the angelic declaration to the disciples, "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." [[Acts 1:22]] refers to the necessity of choosing a new apostle from among those who witnessed "the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us." These passages collectively emphasize the historical reality and divine nature of Christ's bodily ascension into heaven.
* [[1 Timothy 3:16]] declares, "He was taken up in glory." This doxological statement within a confessional hymn affirms Christ's post-resurrection glorification and ascension as a central tenet of early Christian faith.
* **Physical Taking/Receiving:**
* [[Acts 7:43]] quotes Amos, "You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship." Here, ἀναλαμβάνω describes the physical act of carrying or taking up cultic objects.
* In [[Acts 20:13-14]], Luke recounts Paul's journey, stating, "But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. And when he met us in Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene." The verb denotes taking someone onto a ship.
* [[Acts 23:10]] describes the Roman commander's intervention: "And when a great dispute arose, the tribune, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks." Here, it signifies the forceful removal or taking away of a person.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀναλαμβάνω benefits from examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to take," "to receive," is foundational. The prefix ἀνά adds the crucial nuance of "upward" movement or "reception into a higher state."
* **αἴρω (airō, `{{G142}}`):** This verb also means "to lift," "to take up," or "to carry away." While there can be overlap in meaning, ἀναλαμβάνω often carries a more specific connotation of being taken *up* to a particular place or state, especially in the context of divine action.
* **ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambanō, `{{G618}}`):** Meaning "to receive back" or "to get what is due," this compound verb has a different prefix and therefore a distinct meaning, focusing on restitution or recompense.
* **ὑπολαμβάνω (hypolambanō, `{{G5282}}`):** Meaning "to take up" (from below), "to suppose," or "to answer," this verb shares a root but its prefix denotes "under" or "from below," giving it different shades of meaning.
Theologically, ἀναλαμβάνω is deeply connected to concepts such as:
* **Ascension:** The bodily ascent of Christ into heaven, a pivotal event in salvation history.
* **Exaltation:** The raising of Christ to a position of supreme authority and glory at God's right hand.
* **Glorification:** The transformation of Christ's human nature to a state of divine glory.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** In its theological applications, the verb highlights God's active role in orchestrating Christ's earthly ministry and heavenly exaltation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀναλαμβάνω is primarily concentrated in its application to the ascension of Jesus Christ. This event, described repeatedly with this verb, is not merely a physical departure but a profound theological reality:
1. **Completion of Earthly Ministry:** Christ's being "taken up" signifies the successful completion of his redemptive work on earth—his incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. It marks the culmination of his mission as the suffering servant and the inauguration of his reign.
2. **Exaltation and Heavenly Enthronement:** The ascension is inextricably linked to Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God the Father (e.g., [[Mark 16:19]]). This position denotes supreme authority, power, and honor. From this vantage, Christ exercises his cosmic rule and intercedes for his people.
3. **Inauguration of the New Covenant Era:** With Christ "taken up," the way is prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as promised by Jesus (e.g., [[Acts 1:4-5]]). The Spirit's advent empowers the church and extends Christ's presence and work throughout the world.
4. **Hope for Believers:** Christ's ascension provides a pattern and promise for believers. Just as he was "taken up" in glory, so too will believers ultimately share in his glorification, experiencing resurrection and eternal life in his presence. It underscores the future hope of bodily resurrection and entry into God's presence.
5. **Divine Agency:** The passive voice, "was taken up," often implies divine agency. It is God who exalts His Son, demonstrating His sovereign plan for salvation and the glorification of Christ. This underscores the divine initiative and power behind Christ's ultimate triumph.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀναλαμβάνω (analambánō, `{{G353}}`) fundamentally means "to take up" or "to receive up," derived from the combination of ἀνά ("up") and λαμβάνω ("to take"). While it can describe mundane physical actions of taking or receiving, its most profound and consistent theological usage in the New Testament is to denote the ascension of Jesus Christ. This pivotal event, where Christ was "taken up" into heaven, signifies the completion of his earthly redemptive work, his exaltation to divine authority, and the inauguration of the new covenant era through the Holy Spirit. The repeated use of ἀναλαμβάνω in connection with Christ's ascension underscores its historical reality, divine agency, and profound theological implications for Christian faith and hope.
TRV