ἀναθάλλω (anathallō)
anathallō
to renew
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anathallō describes a plant shooting up or sprouting again, capturing the idea of reviving after a period of dormancy. Its root combines a prefix meaning "again" with thallo, which means to flourish or bloom. This imagery moves beyond simple recovery; it suggests a fresh burst of vitality and greenness returning to life.
In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Philippians 4:10. Paul uses it to describe how his joy has "flourished again" because the Philippian church’s concern for him had recently become active once more. The metaphor paints their renewed care as a natural, organic revival, much like a garden coming back to life after winter.
Translators often render this term as "revive" or "blossom," emphasizing the dynamic nature of the renewal. It is not merely a return to a previous state but an active flourishing. The word highlights how relationships and emotions can experience seasons of growth, dormancy, and vibrant resurgence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often feels like a season of dormancy, where our passions or relationships seem to go quiet. The Greek word anathallō captures a beautiful hope: that renewal is not just a return to normal, but a fresh sprouting of vitality. It suggests that after a period of stillness, God can bring about a genuine flourishing, much like a plant bursting forth with new green life.
In Philippians 4:10, Paul uses this image to describe his joy at the Philippians' renewed care for him. Their concern had been active before, but circumstances had paused it. Now, it revives not as a repetition of the past, but as a vibrant resurgence. This reminds us that seasons of silence in our spiritual or relational lives are not failures. They are often preparation for a deeper, more resilient growth.
When you feel stuck or dormant, remember that God specializes in renewal. He does not merely patch up what is broken; He brings fresh life where there was none. Trust that your current season of waiting is part of a larger story of revival. May you find peace in knowing that your heart can bloom again, strengthened by the very pause that preceded it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you revived1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνεθάλετε1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:10
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
Paul uses this verb to describe how the Philippians' concern for him revived after a period of inactivity, emphasizing a fresh burst of vitality rather than a simple return.