### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀναπτύσσω (anaptýssō) `{{G380}}` is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana), meaning "up," "again," or indicating reversal, and the verb πτύσσω (ptyssō), meaning "to fold," "to pleat," or "to roll up." Therefore, the core meaning of ἀναπτύσσω is "to unfold" or "to unroll." In the context of ancient literature, this specifically refers to the action of unrolling a scroll or volume, which was the primary form of written text. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing precisely on this physical act of opening a rolled document for reading. It stands in direct contrast to πτύσσω itself, which means to roll or fold up a scroll after reading, as seen in the immediate context of its sole New Testament occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀναπτύσσω `{{G380}}` appears only once in the entire New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 4:17]]**: "And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written..."
This pivotal passage describes Jesus, in the synagogue at Nazareth, being handed the scroll of Isaiah. His action of "unrolling" (ἀναπτύσσω) the scroll is a deliberate and significant one. It precedes his reading of the passage from [[Isaiah 61:1-2]] and his subsequent declaration, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing" [[Luke 4:21]]. The act of unrolling is not merely a practical necessity for reading; it symbolizes the opening of God's word and the unveiling of divine truth. It sets the stage for Jesus' public proclamation of his messianic identity and mission, establishing a direct link between the ancient prophecy and its fulfillment in his person. The very next verse, [[Luke 4:20]], uses the antonym πτύσσω (ptyssō) `{{G4428}}` to describe Jesus rolling up the scroll after reading, emphasizing the completion of the action and the transition from prophecy to fulfillment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is πτύσσω (ptyssō) `{{G4428}}`, which means "to fold" or "to roll up," serving as the antonym to ἀναπτύσσω `{{G380}}`. This pair of verbs highlights the complete action of interacting with a scroll: unrolling it to read, and rolling it up again when finished.
Other related concepts and words include:
* βιβλίον (biblion) `{{G976}}`: "scroll," "book," the object that is unrolled.
* ἀνοίγω (anoigō) `{{G455}}`: a more general verb meaning "to open," which can apply to various objects (doors, eyes, tombs, etc.), but ἀναπτύσσω is specific to the act of unrolling a scroll. While ἀνοίγω might be used metaphorically for revealing truth, ἀναπτύσσω describes the physical action that precedes the revelation of written truth.
* The concept of reading (ἀναγινώσκω - anaginōskō `{{G314}}`), teaching (διδάσκω - didaskō `{{G1321}}`), and prophecy (προφητεία - prophēteia `{{G4394}}`) are intimately connected, as the unrolling of the scroll facilitates the public declaration and interpretation of God's word.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of ἀναπτύσσω `{{G380}}` in [[Luke 4:17]] is profound. It underscores several crucial themes:
1. **Jesus' Engagement with Scripture**: The act demonstrates Jesus' deep respect for and engagement with the Old Testament Scriptures. He does not merely quote from memory but actively interacts with the physical text, signifying the importance of the written word.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The unrolling of the Isaiah scroll directly precedes Jesus' declaration of the fulfillment of prophecy. The physical opening of the scroll mirrors the spiritual opening of understanding regarding God's redemptive plan, now being realized in Christ. The "closed" prophecies of old are now "opened" and made manifest.
3. **Divine Authority and Mission**: By unrolling the scroll and identifying the specific passage, Jesus asserts his authority over the Scriptures and his divine mandate to fulfill them. His subsequent sermon is not merely an exposition but a self-declaration of his messianic identity and the inauguration of his ministry.
4. **Accessibility of God's Word**: The act of unrolling makes the text accessible to all present in the synagogue. It symbolizes that God's word, once perhaps seen as hidden or obscure, is now made plain and available through Christ.
### Summary
ἀναπτύσσω (anaptýssō) `{{G380}}` is a precise Greek verb meaning "to unroll" or "to unfold," used specifically in the context of ancient scrolls. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 4:17]], its significance is immense. It describes Jesus' action of unrolling the scroll of Isaiah in the Nazareth synagogue, an act that symbolically and literally precedes his pivotal declaration of messianic fulfillment. This single occurrence powerfully conveys Jesus' authority over and fulfillment of Scripture, the accessibility of God's word, and the inauguration of his divine mission. Its antonym, πτύσσω `{{G4428}}`, completes the picture of engaging with the sacred texts.
TRV