ἀναπτύσσω (anaptussō)
anaptussō
to unroll
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anaptussō means to unroll or unfold a scroll. In the ancient world, books were not bound pages but rolled sheets of papyrus or parchment wound around wooden rods. To read them required physically rolling back the layers to reveal the text.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 4:17. It describes Jesus standing in the synagogue and taking the scroll of Isaiah. The act of unrolling it was a necessary physical step before he could begin reading the prophecy aloud to the congregation.
The term highlights the tangible nature of Scripture in the first century. It was an object that could be held, opened, and displayed. This single usage connects the written word directly to Jesus’ public ministry and his role as the one who fulfills the ancient texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Jesus stood in the synagogue at Nazareth, the act of reading Scripture was physical and deliberate. The scroll of Isaiah was handed to Him, and He carefully unrolled it to find the specific passage. This moment reveals that God’s Word is not just abstract theory but something tangible and accessible. It required effort to open, yet it was offered freely to those who sought it.
For your daily walk, this reminds us that engaging with Scripture often involves active participation. We do not merely glance at the text; we open it, study it, and allow its words to unfold before our eyes. The same God who guided Jesus’ hands can guide your understanding as you read His promises today.
As you encounter difficult passages or long for clarity, remember that the Word is meant to be revealed. You are invited to approach it with patience and trust, knowing that its truths are there for you to discover.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having unrolled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναπτύξας1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 4:17
The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
This verse captures the precise moment Jesus physically unrolled the Isaiah scroll to begin His public ministry, linking the act of opening Scripture directly to His identity as the Messiah.