ἀναβολή (anabolē)
anabolē
delay
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anabolē denotes a deliberate pause or postponement in legal proceedings. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 25:17, where Paul’s accusers request time to prepare their case before King Agrippa. The term captures the procedural act of deferring a decision rather than rendering an immediate verdict.
Its root sense involves "laying up" or "storing away," suggesting that the matter is set aside temporarily for later consideration. In this specific context, the delay serves a practical purpose: allowing evidence to be gathered and arguments to be refined before a final judgment is issued. This usage highlights how ancient judicial systems managed complex disputes through structured intervals rather than rushed conclusions.
While modern English often translates it simply as "delay," the word carries a nuance of intentional suspension. It reflects a calculated choice to pause proceedings, ensuring that justice is served with due diligence. The single occurrence in Acts underscores its role in facilitating fair legal processes within the Roman administrative framework.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anabolē describes a deliberate pause in legal proceedings. In Acts 25:17, Paul’s accusers asked for time to prepare their case before King Agrippa. This delay was not a sign of weakness or indecision. It was a procedural step to ensure fairness and thoroughness.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that God often works through patience. When circumstances seem stalled, it may be an opportunity for preparation rather than a sign of abandonment. Trusting in God’s timing allows us to gather strength and clarity before moving forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- delay1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναβολὴν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:17
When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought.
This verse shows the accusers requesting a delay to prepare their case, highlighting the word's use for procedural postponement rather than simple waiting.