ἀνακαίνωσις (anakainōsis)
anakainōsis
renewal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anakainōsis refers to a thorough renewal or renovation that brings about a complete change for the better. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, in Romans 12:2 and Titus 3:5, describing a transformative process where a person’s inner life is restored and reshaped.
Lexical sources distinguish this term from paliggenesia, which denotes new birth or regeneration. Anakainōsis is the consequent renewal that follows that initial act of creation. It involves both divine action and human participation, as seen when Paul urges believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2) or when he credits God for saving us through this washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
The word carries significant theological weight, pointing to the ongoing work of grace in the believer’s life. It is not merely an improvement but a fundamental reorientation of character and thought, reflecting the profound impact of salvation on daily existence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Romans 12:2 invites us into a quiet but powerful shift. The word for renewal here points to a complete change in how we think and see. It is not about trying harder to be better, but allowing God to reshape our inner life through the Holy Spirit. This process happens as we step away from the patterns of this world and open ourselves to divine truth.
In Titus 3:5, Paul links this renewal directly to salvation. He reminds us that this transformation is not earned by our own efforts. Instead, it flows from God’s mercy and the work of the Spirit. This means your growth in faith is grounded in grace, not performance. You are being remade from the inside out, reflecting Christ’s character in your daily choices.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- renewing2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνακαινώσεως1×
- ἀνακαινώσει1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
This verse uses the term to describe the mental transformation required to discern God's will, distinguishing it from mere moral improvement.
-
Titus 3:5
not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Here the word is paired with regeneration to show that renewal is an integral part of the saving work of the Holy Spirit, not a human achievement.