ἀνακύπτω (anakuptō)
anakuptō
to straighten up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anakuptō describes the physical act of straightening or lifting oneself up from a bent position. In the Gospels, it appears in moments where posture shifts with significant meaning. Jesus uses it to describe the woman who had been crippled for eighteen years standing tall again (Luke 13:11), and later instructs her accusers to rise from their crouched stance as He writes in the dust (John 8:6, 9). The word captures a literal change in body position, moving from a lowered state to an upright one.
Lexical sources note that this physical rising can also carry a metaphorical sense of being elated or exalted. This dual usage suggests that the act of standing up is not merely mechanical but implies a restoration of dignity and presence. The word connects bodily freedom with a renewed capacity to engage with others, marking a transition from humiliation or constraint to visibility and strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word anakuptō describes the simple physical act of straightening up from a bent position. In the Gospels, this movement carries deep weight. When Jesus healed the woman who had been bent over for eighteen years, He did not just remove her pain; He restored her dignity (Luke 13:11). She could finally stand tall among people instead of living in the shadows.
Similarly, when Jesus wrote in the dust before His accusers, He looked up to meet them eye-to-eye (John 8:7). This shift in posture reminded everyone present that truth stands upright while shame often keeps us hunched. Your faith journey includes moments where you feel weighed down by past mistakes or current burdens.
God sees your need for restoration. Just as He helped others rise, He offers strength to lift your head when life feels heavy. You are invited to trust Him with your struggles and find peace in His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to lift up herself1×
- having stood up1×
- do look up1×
- Having lifted up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνακύψας2×
- ἀνακύψατε1×
- ἀνακύψαι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 13:11
Behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years. She was bent over and could in no way straighten herself up.
This verse highlights the word's use for physical healing that restores a person's dignity after long-term suffering.
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John 8:7
But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.”
Here, Jesus looks up to confront His accusers, shifting the dynamic from their hidden judgment to open truth.
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Luke 21:28
But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”
Though often translated as 'look up,' this occurrence connects the physical act of rising with the hope of redemption.