ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi)
anatithēmi
to set before
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anatithēmi means to set something before someone, often with the intent of presenting it for consideration or consultation. In the New Testament, it appears in only two verses, carrying a sense of formal communication or laying out a matter for review. The word combines a prefix indicating "up" or "again" with a root meaning "to place," suggesting the act of placing a case or report before an authority.
This term is used in Acts 25:14 when King Agrippa and Bernice visit Festus, who presents the case against Paul to them. It also appears in Galatians 2:2, where Paul describes laying his gospel message before the other apostles to ensure they were not running or had run in vain. In both instances, the word implies a deliberate act of setting forth information for judgment or confirmation.
The usage highlights a context of accountability and verification. Whether presenting a legal case or a theological message, anatithēmi involves bringing something into the open for others to examine. This reflects a practice of seeking counsel or ensuring alignment within the early Christian community, as seen in Paul’s careful approach to his mission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anatithēmi describes the deliberate act of setting something before an authority for review. It appears in Acts when Festus presents Paul’s legal case to King Agrippa, and in Galatians when Paul lays his gospel message before the apostles. In both cases, the term signals a formal presentation intended for judgment or confirmation.
This practice reminds us that accountability is not a sign of weakness but of integrity. By bringing our work into the open, we invite others to verify its alignment with truth. Whether in legal matters or spiritual ministry, transparency helps ensure that we are running in the right direction and not in vain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- set before1×
- laid before1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνέθετο1×
- ἀνεθέμην1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 25:14
As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix;
Festus uses this term to formally present Paul's legal situation to King Agrippa, highlighting a procedural step in Roman justice.
-
Galatians 2:2
I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.
Paul places his gospel message before the respected apostles to verify that his ministry aligns with the core truth and is not running in vain.