### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aníēmi**, represented by `{{G447}}`, means to let up, slacken, desert, or desist from an action. Its usage is translated as **forbear**, **leave**, or **loose**. Based on the base definition, from ἀνά and (to send), it conveys a sense of letting something go or sending it away. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G447}}` is split between literal and figurative applications. Literally, it describes the physical act of unfastening. During a storm at sea, sailors **loosed** the rudder bands to steer the ship [[Acts 27:40]]. In a miraculous event, an earthquake shook a prison, and as a result, every prisoner's bands were **loosed** [[Acts 16:26]]. Figuratively, it is used to convey a promise or a command. It is used in God's promise that "I will never **leave** thee" [[Hebrews 13:5]]. It is also used in the instruction to masters to be **forbearing** of threatening their servants [[Ephesians 6:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide additional context to the meanings of `{{G447}}`:
* `{{G1459}}` **enkataleípō** (to desert): This word, meaning to **forsake** or leave behind, is used in direct parallel with `{{G447}}` in the promise, "I will never **leave** `{{G447}}` thee, nor **forsake** `{{G1459}}` thee" [[Hebrews 13:5]], reinforcing the idea of not being deserted.
* `{{G45}}` **ánkyra** (anchor): This term appears in the same nautical context as `{{G447}}`. After taking up the **anchors** `{{G45}}`, the shipmen **loosed** `{{G447}}` the rudder bands, showing `{{G447}}` as part of a sequence of actions to control a vessel [[Acts 27:40]].
* `{{G455}}` **anoígō** (to open up): This word is used alongside `{{G447}}` to describe an event of liberation. When the prison foundations were shaken, the doors were **opened** `{{G455}}` and the prisoners' bands were **loosed** `{{G447}}` [[Acts 16:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G447}}` is evident in its figurative applications, highlighting key aspects of God's character and his expectations for humanity.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The word is central to one of the most powerful promises of God's presence. His declaration not to **leave** His people provides a foundation for security and trust in Him [[Hebrews 13:5]].
* **Ethical Conduct:** The command for earthly masters to **forbear** threatening is rooted in the fact that they have a Master in heaven. This links human behavior to a divine standard, implying that authority should be exercised with restraint and mercy [[Ephesians 6:9]].
* **Supernatural Deliverance:** In a literal context, the **loosing** of prison bands is presented as an act of divine power, demonstrating God's ability to intervene and set people free from physical restraints [[Acts 16:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G447}}` carries a dual meaning that spans from the practical to the profound. It can denote a simple, physical action, such as untying the bands of a rudder or the chains of a prisoner. However, it also expresses a significant theological concept: the promise of God's unwavering presence and the call for humans in authority to desist from harshness, reflecting a higher, heavenly principle.
TRV