ἀναπίπτω (anapiptō)
anapiptō
to recline
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anapiptō describes the physical act of reclining or lying back, primarily used in the Gospels to depict dining settings. It appears eleven times across Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, capturing both casual meals and significant narrative moments. In these texts, the word signals a posture of rest and social engagement, whether people are gathered on the grass for a meal or seated at a table during Jesus’ ministry.
Its usage highlights the informal nature of early Christian gatherings and Jewish hospitality. For instance, it describes the crowd settling down to eat in open fields (Matthew 15:35; Mark 6:40) and the intimate setting of the Last Supper where disciples recline at the table (Luke 22:14; John 13:12). This posture was standard for feasts in the ancient world, distinguishing it from formal sitting. The term emphasizes comfort and community, reflecting a shared meal rather than a rigid ceremony.
Etymologically, anapiptō combines ana (up or back) with piptō (to fall), literally meaning to fall back into a reclined position. This contrasts with terms for standing or sitting upright. Translators typically render it as "reclined" or "sat down," preserving the sense of relaxed posture. The word underscores the physical reality of Jesus’ interactions, grounding theological events in everyday human practices like eating and resting together.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anapiptō captures the simple, physical act of reclining or lying back for a meal. In the ancient world, this was not just about comfort; it was the standard posture for feasting and social engagement. It signals a shift from standing in haste to settling into community. When Jesus uses this setting, He grounds His ministry in everyday human practices like eating and resting together.
For your faith life, this reminds us that spiritual connection often happens in relaxed, informal spaces. Whether it is the crowd gathering on the grass for bread or disciples sharing a final meal, these moments highlight intimacy over rigid ceremony. It invites you to find rest in shared fellowship, trusting that God meets us in the quiet rhythms of daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to sit down1×
- to recline.1×
- to recline1×
- they sat down1×
- he reclined1×
- had reclined1×
- do recline?1×
- do recline1×
- Reclined1×
- He reclined.1×
- He reclined1×
- Having leaned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνέπεσεν3×
- ἀνέπεσαν2×
- ἀναπεσεῖν2×
- ἀνέπεσεν.1×
- ἀνάπεσε;1×
- ἀνάπεσε1×
- ἀναπεσὼν1×
- ἀναπεσεῖν.1×
Key Verses
-
John 13:25
He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ chest, asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
This verse highlights the intimate trust of the beloved disciple leaning back on Jesus’ chest during the Last Supper.
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Matthew 15:35
He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground;
The command to sit down on the ground shows Jesus preparing a large crowd for a miraculous meal in an open field.
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Mark 6:40
They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.
Organizing people into ranks by hundreds and fifties demonstrates order within the casual act of reclining for food.
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Luke 22:14
When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.
Jesus sitting down with the twelve apostles marks the beginning of the Last Supper, a pivotal moment of farewell and instruction.