ἀναλύω (analuō)
analuō
to depart
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb analuō literally means to unloose or undo, but in Scripture it carries a specific metaphorical weight: departing from one’s current location or state. Its primary usage describes leaving earthly life behind, as when Paul speaks of the tension between staying in the body and the desire to "depart" to be with Christ (Philippians 1:23). In this context, the word paints death not as an end, but as a loosening of bonds that allows for a transition to a new existence.
Less frequently, the term appears with a different directional sense. In Luke 12:36, it describes servants returning home from a wedding feast, implying a journey completed and a return to one’s starting point. This dual usage highlights the word’s flexibility; whether departing for heaven or returning from an event, the core image remains one of release from a temporary state.
The etymology reinforces this meaning, combining the prefix ana- (up or again) with luō (to loose). Translators often render it simply as "depart" or "leave," capturing the sense of breaking camp. The word appears in only two verses in the New Testament, making each instance significant for understanding how early Christians viewed the transition between life and death.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word analuō paints a quiet picture of release. It literally means to unloose or undo bonds, but in Scripture it describes leaving one place for another. When Paul uses it in Philippians, he speaks of departing from his earthly body to be with Christ. This framing helps us see death not as a sudden stop, but as a loosening of ties that allows movement into a new reality.
In Luke, the same word describes servants returning home after a wedding feast. Here it signals the end of a journey and the comfort of arrival. Together, these uses show that analuō marks a transition from one state to another. It is a term of hope, reminding us that our current season is temporary and that we are moving toward something real.
This perspective brings peace during times of uncertainty. We do not need to fear the unknown because God holds the next step. Whether we are waiting for Christ’s return or facing life’s changes, this word assures us that every departure has a purpose in His plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to depart1×
- he may return1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναλῦσαι1×
- ἀναλύσῃ1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 1:23
But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
This verse uses the word to describe Paul's desire to leave his earthly body and be with Christ, framing death as a positive transition rather than an end.
-
Luke 12:36
Be like men watching for their lord when he returns from the wedding feast, that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him.
Here the term describes servants returning home from a wedding feast, emphasizing the completion of a journey and the readiness to enter their master's house.