ἀνάληψις (analēpsis)
analēpsis
ascension
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun analēpsis denotes a "taking up" or "lifting up." It appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 9:51, where it describes Jesus’ determination to be taken up to heaven. This single usage anchors the term in the specific event of Christ’s ascension.
Derived from the verb analambanō, meaning to take up or receive, the word emphasizes the physical and divine action of being lifted into a higher realm. Unlike general terms for departure, this vocabulary highlights the upward movement initiated by God, marking a pivotal transition in the Gospel narrative.
Translators typically render it as "ascension" or "departure," capturing both the literal rising and the theological significance of Jesus returning to the Father. The term serves as a concise summary of the event that validates his mission and prepares for the coming of the Spirit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word analēpsis points to a moment of decisive movement. In Luke 9:51, we see Jesus setting His face toward Jerusalem because the time had come for Him to be taken up. This is not a passive drift away from the world, but a purposeful return to the Father. It marks the turning point where His earthly ministry prepares to transition into His heavenly reign.
For you, this word offers comfort in your own seasons of change. Life often feels like a series of departures, but Jesus’ ascension shows that every ending is under God’s control. He did not leave us orphaned; He went ahead to prepare a place. When you face transitions that feel uncertain or final, remember that your Savior’s departure was the beginning of His ongoing presence with you through the Spirit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ascension1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναλήμψεως1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:51
It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem
This verse uniquely uses the noun to describe Jesus' resolute determination to undergo the event of being taken up, linking His mission in Jerusalem directly to His return to the Father.