The meaning of “ἄνωθεν”
Understanding ánōthen reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top. - from above - by analogy, from the first - by implication,...
ἄνωθεν
from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top. - from above - by analogy, from the first - by implication, anew
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 27:51 | “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;” Word: ἄνωθεν (ánōthen) | |
| Mark 15:38 | “And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” Word: ἄνωθεν (ánōthen) | |
| Luke 1:3 | “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,” Word: ἄνωθεν (ánōthen) | |
| John 3:31 | “He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.” Word: ἄνωθεν (ánōthen) | |
| Acts 26:5 | “Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.” Word: ἄνωθεν (ánōthen) |
Theological Word Study: Born again
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Born again, born from above
The Greek phrase combines gennao (to beget/birth) with anothen (from above/again). Jesus told Nicodemus, 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:3)—a spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirit.