### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀνορθόω (anorthóō, `{{G461}}`) is a compound word derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana, `{{G303}}`), meaning "up," "again," or "back," and a derivative of the base of ὀρθός (orthos, `{{G3717}}`), meaning "straight" or "upright." Consequently, the core meaning of ἀνορθόω is "to straighten up," "to set upright again," or "to restore to an erect position." This implies a prior state of being bent, fallen, dilapidated, or in disarray. The semantic range extends from literal physical straightening to metaphorical restoration, renewal, and strengthening. It denotes an act of correction, re-establishment, or elevation from a state of decline or weakness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνορθόω appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
1. **[[Luke 13:13]]**: "And immediately she was made straight, and glorified God." Here, ἀνορθόω describes the miraculous physical healing of a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. Jesus' touch directly causes her spine to straighten, restoring her to an upright posture. This is a literal application, demonstrating divine power over physical infirmity and the restoration of human dignity.
2. **[[Luke 21:28]]**: "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." In this eschatological discourse, ἀνορθόω is used metaphorically. It is an exhortation to believers to adopt a posture of confidence, hope, and readiness amidst the signs of the end times, rather than cowering in fear. It signifies a spiritual upliftment and a confident anticipation of God's redemptive work.
3. **[[Acts 15:16]]**: "After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. I will rebuild its ruins and restore it." This verse quotes Amos 9:11 (LXX), where ἀνορθόω (ἀνορθώσω) is used to describe God's promise to restore the "tent of David," which had fallen into ruin. In the context of the Jerusalem Council, James applies this prophecy to the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God, signifying the spiritual restoration and expansion of God's covenant community, not merely a political or physical re-establishment of the kingdom. It speaks to divine re-establishment after a period of decay.
4. **[[Hebrews 12:12]]**: "Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees." Here, ἀνορθόω (ἀνορθώσατε) is an imperative urging believers to spiritually "straighten up" or "strengthen" themselves. The imagery of drooping hands and weak knees suggests spiritual fatigue or discouragement in the face of trials. The command is to renew one's resolve, to stand firm in faith, and to persevere in the Christian race with renewed vigor and determination.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀνορθόω is enriched by its relationship to other terms and concepts:
* ὀρθός (orthos, `{{G3717}}`): The root word, signifying "straight," "upright," or "correct." This emphasizes the return to a proper or intended state.
* ἀνίστημι (anistemi, `{{G450}}`): To stand up, to raise up, to rise. While similar in conveying an upward movement, ἀνίστημι often refers to simply rising or standing, whereas ἀνορθόω specifically implies straightening or restoring from a bent/fallen state.
* ἐγείρω (egeiro, `{{G1453}}`): To raise, awaken, rouse. Often used for raising from sleep or death.
* Concepts of restoration (e.g., of Israel, of the human body, of spiritual vitality), healing, renewal, divine intervention, and perseverance are intimately linked with ἀνορθόω. It speaks to God's active work in correcting what is amiss and re-establishing what is proper.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνορθόω is profound and multi-layered:
* **Divine Compassion and Healing Power**: In [[Luke 13:13]], it underscores Jesus' compassionate authority over physical ailments, demonstrating the inbreaking of God's kingdom where sickness is overcome and human bodies are restored to wholeness. This is a sign of the Messiah's work.
* **Eschatological Hope and Vigilance**: [[Luke 21:28]] transforms the physical act into a spiritual imperative for believers facing tribulation. It is a call to maintain a posture of hopeful expectation and spiritual readiness for Christ's return, rather than succumbing to fear or despair. It signifies the believer's active participation in the hope of redemption.
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness and Restoration**: The use in [[Acts 15:16]] (from Amos 9:11) highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The "tent of David" being "restored" or "rebuilt" signifies God's ongoing work of gathering His people and establishing His kingdom, encompassing both Jew and Gentile. It points to the divine initiative in bringing about salvation history's culmination.
* **Call to Spiritual Perseverance and Strength**: [[Hebrews 12:12]] applies ἀνορθόω to the spiritual life of the believer, urging them to overcome discouragement and renew their commitment to faith. It emphasizes the need for spiritual discipline and the active role of the believer in strengthening their resolve to run the race with endurance.
Across these contexts, ἀνορθόω consistently points to an act of divine or divinely-empowered intervention that corrects, restores, and strengthens, bringing about a proper and upright state, whether physically, spiritually, or communally.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀνορθόω (anorthóō, `{{G461}}`) fundamentally means "to straighten up" or "to restore to an upright position." Its New Testament occurrences reveal a rich theological tapestry: it describes Jesus' miraculous physical healing power ([[Luke 13:13]]); it serves as an exhortation for believers to maintain hopeful spiritual readiness in the face of eschatological events ([[Luke 21:28]]); it denotes God's faithful restoration and rebuilding of His people and kingdom ([[Acts 15:16]]); and it calls for believers to strengthen their spiritual resolve and persevere in faith amidst trials ([[Hebrews 12:12]]). In essence, ἀνορθόω encapsulates God's dynamic work of setting right what is wrong, restoring what is broken, and strengthening what is weak, manifesting His compassion, faithfulness, and sovereign purpose for both individuals and His redeemed community.
TRV