ἀναδίδωμι (anadidōmi)
anadidōmi
to deliver
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare verb anadidōmi carries the core meaning of handing something over or delivering it up. Its usage is quite specific in Scripture, appearing only once in the New Testament at Acts 23:33. In this context, the Roman commander writes to Governor Felix, formally delivering Paul into his custody. The word emphasizes the act of transferring possession or authority from one party to another.
Linguistically, the term is built from the prefix ana, suggesting a lifting or upward motion, and didōmi, meaning to give. While classical sources sometimes use it for plants sending up shoots, the biblical application focuses on the physical transfer of a person. This single occurrence highlights its legal and administrative weight, marking the formal handover of an accused individual into the hands of judicial authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word anadidōmi describes a formal act of handing someone over to authority. In Acts 23:33, Roman soldiers deliver Paul to Governor Felix, transferring his custody from one leader to another. This rare verb highlights the weight of legal responsibility and the orderly process of justice.
For believers today, this word reminds us that God’s plans unfold even through human systems. Paul’s journey involved many handovers—first to Jewish leaders, then to Roman officials. Yet, none could stop God’s purpose. We can trust that every transition in our lives is held within His sovereign care.
When we face uncertainty or feel passed from one challenge to another, remember that God oversees the process. He uses even legal proceedings and difficult transitions to advance His truth. Our hope rests not in our control, but in His faithfulness through every handover.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having delivered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναδόντες1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 23:33
When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.
This verse shows the word used for the formal transfer of Paul’s custody to Governor Felix, highlighting the legal weight of the handover.