### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀνατίθεμαι (anatíthemai, `{{G394}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀνά (aná, "up," "again," "back") and the middle voice of the verb τίθημι (títhēmi, `{{G5087}}`, "to place," "to set"). The combination of ἀνά and τίθημι in the middle voice creates a nuanced meaning: "to set up for oneself," "to lay before oneself," or "to present for one's own consideration or for the consideration of others." It implies a deliberate, careful, and often formal presentation of information, facts, or a doctrine, typically for the purpose of review, discussion, confirmation, or judgment. The middle voice emphasizes the subject's personal involvement or the benefit derived from the action, suggesting that the speaker has a vested interest in the outcome of the communication. It is more than a simple declaration; it is a structured propounding or communicating of a matter of importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀνατίθεμαι (`{{G394}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its precise semantic range:
1. **Acts 25:14**: "And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:"
* Here, Festus, the new Roman governor, "declared" or "laid before" King Agrippa the details of Paul's legal case. This was not a casual conversation but a formal presentation of facts and circumstances to an authority figure, seeking counsel or perhaps to share the burden of judgment. The act of ἀνατίθεμαι highlights the official and serious nature of the communication, where Festus is formally presenting a matter for review and decision.
2. **Galatians 2:2**: "And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain."
* In this pivotal passage, Paul states that he "communicated" or "laid before" the apostles in Jerusalem the gospel he preached to the Gentiles. This was done "privately to those of reputation." Paul's purpose was to ensure that his missionary efforts and the content of his gospel were in alignment with the foundational apostles, "lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." The use of ἀνατίθεμαι here underscores the deliberate, careful, and sensitive nature of this presentation. Paul was not seeking validation of his divine commission, but rather seeking affirmation of the unity of the gospel message and the legitimacy of his Gentile mission from the established leadership, thereby preventing future misunderstandings or accusations of doctrinal deviation. The middle voice is particularly potent here, as Paul is laying out the gospel *for himself* and *for the sake of his ministry*.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀνατίθεμαι can be further appreciated by comparing it with related Greek terms:
* τίθημι (títhēmi, `{{G5087}}`): The root verb, meaning "to place," "to put," or "to set." ἀνατίθεμαι adds the nuance of "setting up" or "laying before."
* ἐκτίθημι (ektíthēmi, `{{G1620}}`): "To set out," "to expose," "to explain." This verb is often used for expounding or explaining doctrine (e.g., Acts 18:26 where Priscilla and Aquila "explained" the way of God to Apollos). While similar in conveying information, ἀνατίθεμαι often carries a stronger sense of presenting for formal review or discussion.
* προτίθημι (protíthēmi, `{{G4388}}`): "To set before," "to propose," "to display." (e.g., Romans 3:25, where God "displayed" Christ as a propitiation). This can also involve public presentation.
* δηλόω (dēlóō, `{{G1213}}`): "To make clear," "to show," "to declare." This is a more general term for making something known.
* γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, `{{G1107}}`): "To make known," "to reveal." This term emphasizes the act of imparting knowledge.
The distinctiveness of ἀνατίθεμαι lies in its combination of the ἀνά prefix (suggesting a careful "laying up" or "laying before") and the middle voice (emphasizing the subject's personal stake or benefit), making it ideal for describing a formal, purposeful presentation of weighty matters for consideration or confirmation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνατίθεμαι (`{{G394}}`) is primarily drawn from its use in Galatians 2:2, which offers profound insights into early Christian leadership, unity, and accountability:
1. **Accountability and Unity in Ministry**: Paul's act of "communicating" his gospel to the Jerusalem apostles, despite receiving it by direct revelation, underscores a crucial principle of accountability within the early church. It demonstrates that even divinely commissioned ministers operate within a framework of communal discernment and mutual affirmation. This was not an act of submission to human authority over divine revelation, but a strategic move to ensure doctrinal unity and prevent division between Jewish and Gentile believers, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the gospel message and the cohesion of the nascent church. It highlights the importance of seeking consensus on core doctrines.
2. **Prudence and Wisdom in Ministry**: Paul's decision to "lay before" his message "privately to those of reputation" (Galatians 2:2) reveals profound pastoral prudence. He understood the potential for misunderstanding or opposition and chose a method that fostered dialogue and agreement rather than confrontation. This act of ἀνατίθεμαι exemplifies wisdom in navigating complex theological and cultural issues for the sake of effective mission.
3. **The Weightiness of the Gospel**: The use of ἀνατίθεμαι implies that the content being communicated is of significant importance and requires careful consideration. In Galatians 2:2, it is the very gospel message, its application to the Gentiles, and the legitimacy of Paul's ministry. This verb elevates the act of sharing the gospel from casual conversation to a formal, weighty presentation demanding serious review.
### Summary
ἀνατίθεμαι (anatíthemai, `{{G394}}`) is a verb signifying a deliberate and often formal act of "laying before" or "presenting for consideration," typically with a personal stake or for the purpose of seeking review, confirmation, or judgment. Its two New Testament occurrences, Acts 25:14 and Galatians 2:2, demonstrate its use in presenting a legal case and a theological message, respectively. In both contexts, it conveys a careful, purposeful communication intended to achieve clarity, validation, or a shared understanding. Theologically, its use in Galatians 2:2 is particularly significant, illustrating principles of accountability, prudence, and the profound importance of shared understanding and unity within the early Christian community regarding the gospel message.
TRV