ἀναβάλλω (anaballō)
anaballō
to defer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anaballō means to defer or postpone an action, particularly in a legal context. It describes the act of putting off a decision or proceeding to a later time. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 24:22, where the Roman governor Felix delays hearing the case against Paul.
The sources indicate that its primary usage involves postponing a trial or judgment. By choosing to defer the proceedings, Felix avoids making an immediate ruling on the charges brought by the Jewish leaders. This specific instance highlights how the term functions in administrative and judicial settings, marking a temporary halt rather than a final resolution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Acts 24:22 records a moment of administrative pause where Felix chose to defer Paul’s case. This single instance shows how postponement can serve as a practical tool for gathering more information before making a final judgment. In our own lives, we often face decisions that feel urgent but might benefit from a period of waiting.
Choosing to delay a response does not always mean avoidance; sometimes it allows space for clarity and wisdom to emerge. When you find yourself in a situation requiring patience, remember that taking time to understand the full picture can lead to more thoughtful outcomes. This word reminds us that not every matter demands an immediate verdict.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- deferred1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀνεβάλετο1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:22
But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.”
This verse uniquely demonstrates the term's legal nuance, showing how a delay can be a strategic pause for further inquiry rather than a permanent rejection.