ἀναζάω (anazaō)
anazaō
to revive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anazaō means to live again or to be restored to life. It combines a prefix indicating renewal with the root for living, creating a sense of recovery rather than initial creation. This word appears only twice in the New Testament, marking significant moments of return.
In Luke 15:24, it describes the prodigal son who "came back to life" after being lost. The father uses this term to celebrate his son’s moral and physical restoration. Similarly, Romans 7:9 applies it to sin, which once lived but was revived or brought to life again through the commandment. Here, the word illustrates how law can awaken the power of transgression.
Though rare, anazaō carries theological weight by emphasizing resurrection-like renewal. It suggests not just survival but a return to fullness after absence. Translators often render it as "revived" or "came back to life," capturing its vivid imagery of restored vitality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anazaō speaks of a return to life after a period of absence or death. It is not about starting fresh for the first time, but rather being restored to vitality after loss. In Luke 15:24, the father uses this term to describe his son’s return. The boy was lost and now lives again. This offers hope that no distance is too great for restoration.
Yet the word also carries a sobering note in Romans 7:9. Paul describes how sin revived when the law arrived, leading to death. This shows that not all revival is good. Some things rise again only to cause harm. We must discern what brings true life and what leads us away from God.
For your faith, this word reminds you that restoration is possible. If you feel far from God or broken by past mistakes, know that He can bring you back to life. But also be wise about what influences you. Not every return is a blessing. Seek only what aligns with Christ’s light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- revived,1×
- is alive again,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνέζησεν,2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 15:24
for this, my son, was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate.
The father uses anazaō to celebrate the prodigal son’s physical and moral return, framing restoration as a cause for joy rather than judgment.
-
Romans 7:9
I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died.
Paul applies the word to sin’s resurgence under the law, showing how external rules can awaken inner rebellion rather than bring life.