ἀναλαμβάνω (analambanō)
analambanō
to take up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb analambanō means to take up or lift something into one’s hands. It describes a physical action of grasping and raising an object for use or transport. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts where characters actively pick up items or people, such as when Jesus takes up His cross or when disciples gather belongings.
Its components suggest lifting upward (ana) and taking hold (lambano). This distinguishes it from simply carrying something; the emphasis is on the initial act of raising. For instance, in Acts 1:2, it describes how God took Jesus up, highlighting a divine elevation rather than mere movement.
Translators often render this as "take up" or "receive." The word carries a sense of purposeful acquisition. When used in Ephesians, it refers to taking up spiritual armor, implying readiness for action. This usage underscores the active nature of faith, where believers must consciously engage with divine provisions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word analambanō describes the deliberate act of taking something up into one’s hands or possession. In the New Testament, it often marks a significant transition, such as when Jesus was received up into heaven (Mark 16:19) or when Paul instructed Timothy to take Mark with him for service (2 Timothy 4:11). This is not passive movement but an active engagement with what God provides or commands.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that spiritual readiness requires action. Just as believers are called to take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16), we are invited to actively grasp the resources God has given us. Whether it is accepting a new responsibility or standing firm in truth, analambanō encourages us to move with purpose, trusting that what we take up is for His glory and our growth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was taken up3×
- having taken2×
- to take in1×
- having taken up1×
- having taken in1×
- having been taken up1×
- do take up1×
- You took up1×
- He was taken up.1×
- He was taken up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνελήμφθη3×
- ἀναλαβόντες3×
- ἀνελήφθη1×
- ἀνελήμφθη.1×
- ἀνελάβετε1×
- ἀναλάβετε1×
- ἀναλημφθεὶς1×
- ἀναλαμβάνειν1×
- ἀναλαβὼν1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 16:19
So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
This verse uses the word to describe Jesus' exaltation into heaven, highlighting a divine elevation that confirms His authority and completion of earthly mission.
-
Ephesians 6:16
above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
Here the term is applied metaphorically to 'taking up' the shield of faith, emphasizing the active choice believers must make to engage spiritual protection.