ἀνακαθίζω (anakathizō)
anakathizō
to sit up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anakathizō describes the physical act of sitting up, specifically rising from a lying position to an upright posture. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in narratives involving resurrection or miraculous healing. Its core meaning is straightforward: it captures the moment a person regains enough strength or life to assume a seated position.
The word combines the prefix ana ("up") with kathizō ("to sit"). This construction emphasizes the upward movement and the resulting stable posture. In Luke 7:14-15, Jesus raises a widow’s dead son, and the text notes that he sat up and began to speak. Similarly, in Acts 9:40, Peter prays over the dying Tabitha, who then sits up. In both cases, the term marks the immediate transition from lifelessness or illness to alertness.
Medical writings of the era often used this term for patients recovering consciousness or strength. The sources highlight its use in these two specific verses to underscore the tangible reality of the miracle. It is not merely a metaphor for spiritual awakening but a literal description of bodily restoration. Translators typically render it as "sat up" or "rose and sat," preserving the physical immediacy of the event.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anakathizō simply means to sit up from a lying position. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in stories where Jesus or his apostles bring someone back from death or near-death. In Luke 7:15, the widow’s son sits up after being dead. In Acts 9:40, Tabitha sits up after Peter prays for her. These are not vague spiritual metaphors but real, physical actions.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God cares about our whole selves—body and soul. He does not leave us in despair or helplessness. When life feels like it has ended, His power can bring you back to a place of stability and speech. The miracle is immediate and tangible.
You can trust that the same God who restored these individuals sees your struggles. Whether you face physical illness or emotional exhaustion, His strength is available to lift you up. You are not forgotten in your weakness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- she sat up.1×
- sat up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνεκάθισεν.1×
- ἀνεκάθισεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 7:15
He who was dead sat up and began to speak. Then he gave him to his mother.
This occurrence marks the immediate transition from death to life, showing Jesus’ authority over the grave through a simple physical act.
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Acts 9:40
Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Here the word confirms that Peter’s prayer resulted in Tabitha’s actual return to consciousness and posture, validating his role as Christ’s agent.