ἀνακαινόω (anakainoō)
anakainoō
to renew
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anakainoō means to make something new again or to restore it to a fresh state. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet it carries significant weight in describing spiritual transformation. Paul uses it to describe the inner renewal of believers, suggesting that this change is an ongoing process rather than a single event.
Its meaning comes from combining ana ("again") with kainos ("new"). This distinguishes it from palaios, which refers to old age or antiquity; instead, anakainoō focuses on freshness and vitality. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul speaks of the inner self being renewed day by day, contrasting this spiritual strength with physical weakness. Similarly, in Colossians 3:10, he describes putting on a new self that is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
This word highlights a dynamic, continuous restoration. It implies that the believer’s inner life is constantly being refreshed and revitalized, moving away from corruption toward a new kind of existence. The emphasis is on the active process of becoming new again, reflecting a deep, internal change that mirrors the character of God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἀνακαινόω (anakainoō) describes a fresh start that happens repeatedly. It combines 'again' with 'new', pointing to a restoration of vitality rather than just a one-time fix. When life feels heavy or your spirit seems worn out, this term reminds you that renewal is not a distant hope but a daily reality available to you.
In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul contrasts the fading strength of the body with an inner self that is renewed day by day. This suggests that even when physical circumstances decline, your spiritual core can grow stronger. The process is continuous, offering steady encouragement through seasons of difficulty or change.
Similarly, Colossians 3:10 links this renewal to growing in knowledge and reflecting the image of the Creator. It is an ongoing transformation where your mind and heart align more closely with God’s character. This gentle, persistent work invites you to rest in the assurance that you are being made new, not by your own effort alone, but through grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is being renewed2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνακαινοῦται1×
- ἀνακαινούμενον1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day.
This verse highlights the contrast between physical decay and the continuous, daily renewal of the inner person.
-
Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,
Here the word connects spiritual renewal specifically to growing in knowledge and reflecting the image of the Creator.