ἀναστρέφω

anastréphō /an-as-tref'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἀνά and στρέφω
Meaningto overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e. remain, live
KJV usageabide, behave self, have conversation, live, overthrow, pass, return, be used.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word anastréphō, represented by G390, is a dynamic term derived from ἀνά and στρέφω. Its core meanings include to overturn, to return, and by implication, to busy oneself, remain, or live. It appears 12 times across 11 unique verses, illustrating its versatile application in describing both physical actions and patterns of human behavior.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G390 is used to convey several distinct actions and states of being. It describes a manner of life or conduct, as when Paul speaks of having "had our conversation" in the lusts of the flesh Ephesians 2:3, or when believers are instructed on how to "behave" in the house of God 1 Timothy 3:15. The word also denotes a physical action of overturning, most notably when Jesus "overthrew" the tables of the money changers in the temple John 2:15. Furthermore, it can mean to return, as when God promises He will "return, and will build again the tabernacle of David" Acts 15:16, or to simply abide or remain in a place Matthew 17:22.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G390 is used:

  • G4561 sárx (flesh): This term signifies human nature, often with its frailties and passions. The way one "lives" or has their conversation G390 is frequently characterized by its relationship to the flesh Ephesians 2:3.
  • G2573 kalōs (honestly, well): This adverb describes acting in a morally good way. It is paired with G390 to express the desire "to live honestly" Hebrews 13:18, setting a standard for righteous conduct.
  • G1544 ekbállō (to eject, cast out): This word for forceful removal is used alongside G390 in the account of Jesus cleansing the temple, where he "overthrew" the tables and "drove them all out" John 2:15.
  • G456 anoikodoméō (to rebuild): Signifying restoration, this word is used in prophecy when God promises to "return" G390 and "build again" the fallen tabernacle of David Acts 15:16.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G390 is multifaceted, touching on themes of sanctification, judgment, and restoration.

  • The Conduct of a Believer: The word frequently defines the Christian walk. Believers are called to a new way of life, moving from a "conversation" in the flesh Ephesians 2:3 to a life lived "honestly" Hebrews 13:18 and in reverent fear during their earthly "sojourning" 1 Peter 1:17.
  • Divine Intervention: The use of G390 to mean "overturn" and "return" highlights God's active power. It is seen in Christ's authority to "overthrow" corruption John 2:15 and in God's sovereign promise to "return" and restore His people Acts 15:16.
  • The Nature of Association: One's behavior G390 affects others. The Hebrews became "companions" G2844 of those who were "so used" with reproaches and afflictions, showing that one's conduct involves shared experience Hebrews 10:33. Conversely, false teachers "live" in error and seek to allure others 2 Peter 2:18.

Summary

In summary, G390 provides a rich understanding of action and being. It is far more than a simple verb for living; it encompasses the entire manner of one's conduct, from a life lived in the flesh to one lived honestly before God. At the same time, it captures the decisive power of God to overturn, return, and restore, showing that how we live is intrinsically connected to His divine activity in the world.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 1st Plural 2×
  • Present Passive Infinitive 2×
  • Present Passive Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Passive Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Passive Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 11 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Acts (2 verses).

1
Matthew
1
John
2
Acts
1
2 Corinthians
1
Ephesians
1
1 Timothy
2
Hebrews
1
1 Peter
1
2 Peter

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