ἀνακλίνω (anaklinō)
anaklinō
to recline
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anaklinō describes the physical act of leaning or reclining, often with a sense of resting against something for support. In the New Testament it appears in six verses, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels. It captures both the active motion of laying someone down and the passive state of lying back, reflecting a posture of rest or hospitality.
This word highlights the cultural practice of dining while reclining on cushions rather than sitting at chairs. Jesus uses this imagery to describe future gatherings in the kingdom, such as when he speaks of many coming from east and west to recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Matthew 8:11). It also appears in narratives where hosts prepare meals for guests, emphasizing the care taken to ensure comfort.
The term connects closely with the idea of hospitality and social gathering. By using anaklinō, the Gospel writers convey not just a physical position but the relational context of sharing a meal. This usage underscores the importance of rest and community in Jesus’ teachings and actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word anaklinō describes the physical act of reclining or leaning back. In the ancient world, this was not merely a posture but a sign of rest, trust, and hospitality. When people reclined at a meal, they were settling in for a shared experience, indicating safety and community rather than hurried eating.
In the Gospels, Jesus uses this imagery to paint a picture of the Kingdom of Heaven. He speaks of guests coming from every direction to recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Matthew 8:11). This suggests that God’s kingdom is a place of deep rest and intimate fellowship, where we are invited to lean into His presence without fear.
Even in unexpected moments, like Jesus blessing the loaves and fishes, the text notes He commanded the crowds to sit down or recline (Mark 6:39). This reminds us that receiving God’s provision often requires a posture of stillness. We are called to rest in His care, trusting that He provides for our needs as we gather around Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will recline1×
- to sit down1×
- to recline1×
- they will recline1×
- she laid1×
- he will make recline1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνακλιθήσονται2×
- ἀνέκλινεν1×
- ἀνακλῖναι1×
- ἀνακλινεῖ1×
- ἀνακλιθῆναι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:11
I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven,
This verse uses the concept of reclining to describe the future joy and intimacy of believers sharing a meal with the patriarchs in the Kingdom of Heaven.
-
Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will dress himself, make them recline, and will come and serve them.
Here, Jesus reverses social roles by saying the master will recline his servants, highlighting the radical grace and honor God gives to those who remain faithful.
-
Mark 6:39
He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass.
The command to sit down or recline on the green grass shows Jesus’ care for the physical comfort of the crowd before He performs the miracle of feeding them.