ἀνατέλλω (anatellō)
anatellō
to rise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anatellō describes the act of rising or coming forth into view. In the New Testament, it is most frequently used for celestial bodies and light, such as when Jesus speaks of God causing His sun to rise on both the evil and the good (Matthew 5:45). It also appears in descriptions of natural phenomena, like the scorching heat from the rising sun that withers grass (Mark 4:6; James 1:11).
Its meaning extends beyond simple movement. The word carries a sense of emergence or sprouting, linking to the idea of something breaking through to visibility. This nuance connects it to Old Testament prophecies about light dawning in darkness (Matthew 4:16) and the metaphorical "morning star" rising in hearts (2 Peter 1:19). The term captures both the physical rising of the sun and the spiritual dawn of revelation.
Translators typically render anatellō as "rise," "arise," or "come forth." This choice preserves the dynamic imagery of light and life emerging into the world. The word’s usage across the Gospels and epistles highlights its role in depicting divine action and natural order, grounding spiritual truths in observable reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word anatellō brings to mind the quiet certainty of dawn. It describes light breaking through the night, whether as the sun warming the earth or a spiritual truth illuminating the heart. In Matthew 5:45, we see this in God’s daily provision: He causes the sun to rise on both the evil and the good. This is not just a natural cycle but a gentle reminder that grace arrives without discrimination, offering warmth and life to everyone.
There is comfort in knowing that darkness does not have the final word. When Matthew 4:16 speaks of light dawning on those in shadow, it points to hope emerging from despair. Similarly, James 1:11 uses the rising sun to show how quickly worldly pursuits can fade, urging us to fix our eyes on what endures. This word invites us to trust that just as morning always follows night, God’s truth will eventually shine clearly in our understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when was arising1×
- rose1×
- rising up1×
- may have arisen1×
- having risen1×
- has sprung1×
- has dawned1×
- He makes rise1×
- Has risen1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνέτειλεν3×
- ἀνατείλαντος2×
- ἀνατέταλκεν1×
- ἀνατέλλουσαν1×
- ἀνατέλλει1×
- ἀνατείλῃ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:45
that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.
This verse highlights the word's use for God's impartial care, showing how He actively causes the sun to rise on all people regardless of their moral standing.
-
Matthew 4:16
the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”
Here the term conveys prophetic fulfillment, describing how light dawned on those in darkness to signal the arrival of hope and salvation.
-
James 1:11
For the sun arises with the scorching wind and withers the grass; and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So the rich man will also fade away in his pursuits.
The word illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly glory by comparing the rich man's fade to grass withered by the scorching rising sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does anatellō mean in the Bible?
How is anatellō different from other words for rising?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 3 verses
the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has…
Matthew 5:45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and…
Matthew 13:6When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.