### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anatolḗ**, represented by `{{G395}}`, is derived from a word meaning a rising of light. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition covers both the literal, geographical direction of the **east** and the figurative idea of a **dayspring** or dawn.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G395}}` is used in several key contexts. It identifies the origin of the wise men who "came from the **east** to Jerusalem" after seeing the star [[Matthew 2:1-2]]. The word also carries a deeply symbolic meaning, as when Zechariah prophesies that "the **dayspring** from on high hath visited us" [[Luke 1:78]]. In eschatological passages, it marks a direction of divine action, such as when an angel ascends "from the **east**, having the seal of the living God" [[Revelation 7:2]] or when a path is prepared for "the kings of the **east**" [[Revelation 16:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words for the other cardinal directions help to provide a complete geographical and theological context:
* `{{G1424}}` **dysmḗ**: This word means "the sun-set, i.e. (by implication) the western region:--west." It is frequently used with `{{G395}}` to show a comprehensive scope, as when people come from the east and **west** to sit in the kingdom [[Matthew 8:11]].
* `{{G1005}}` **borrhâs**: Defined as "the north (properly, wind):--north," it is used to complete the picture of a worldwide gathering, with people coming from the east, west, **north**, and south [[Luke 13:29]].
* `{{G3558}}` **nótos**: This term means "the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself:--south (wind)." It appears with the other directions to describe the gates of the New Jerusalem, which face all four points of the compass [[Revelation 21:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G395}}` is significant, tying the concept of sunrise to divine revelation and salvation.
* **Messianic Dawn:** The term is used powerfully to announce the arrival of Jesus. He is the **dayspring** from on high, signifying the dawn of a new era of mercy and light for humanity [[Luke 1:78]].
* **Source of Divine Action:** The **east** is presented as a direction of immense importance. The coming of the Son of man is compared to lightning that "cometh out of the **east**, and shineth even unto the west" [[Matthew 24:27]], and a key angelic action in Revelation originates from the **east** [[Revelation 7:2]].
* **Universal Gathering:** The word is central to passages describing the universal nature of God's kingdom. Believers will come "from the **east**, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south" to take their place in the kingdom of God [[Luke 13:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G395}}` is far more than a simple directional marker. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding biblical prophecy and soteriology. By linking the literal rising of the sun to the dawning of messianic hope and the gathering of God's people, the word illustrates how a natural phenomenon can be imbued with profound spiritual truth, pointing to divine origins and the universal reach of the kingdom.
TRV