ἀνατρέφω (anatrephō)
anatrephō
to bring up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anatrephō describes the active process of bringing up a child or animal, combining the sense of nursing with education and formation. It goes beyond simple feeding to include the deliberate shaping of character and mind during the early years of growth.
Its usage in Scripture highlights intentional upbringing within a specific cultural context. In Acts 7:22, it describes how Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, while Acts 22:3 notes Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of the ancestral law.
The word emphasizes that upbringing is a formative act. It suggests that the environment and instruction provided during youth leave a lasting mark on the individual’s identity and capabilities, as seen in the lives of these biblical figures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anatrephō captures the full weight of raising a child. It is not just about providing food or shelter, but about active formation. When we care for someone young, we are shaping their character and mind through daily interaction and instruction. This process leaves a lasting mark on who they become.
In Acts 22:3, Paul describes being brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. He did not just learn facts; he was shaped by a specific tradition and environment. This shows that upbringing is a deliberate act of love and discipline. It reminds us that the time we spend with those under our care is foundational.
For your own life, this word encourages patience. Growth takes time and consistent presence. Whether you are raising children or mentoring others, your steady influence matters more than any single lesson. Trust that the quiet work of daily companionship builds a strong foundation for the future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brought up2×
- was brought up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνετράφη1×
- ἀνεθρέψατο1×
- ἀνατεθραμμένος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:21
When he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and reared him as her own son.
This verse highlights the personal, familial aspect of rearing, showing how Pharaoh’s daughter actively took Moses into her home and shaped his identity as her own son.
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Acts 22:3
“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are today.
Paul uses this term to describe his rigorous intellectual and spiritual formation under Gamaliel, emphasizing that upbringing includes strict instruction in ancestral traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does anatrephō mean in Greek?
How is anatrephō different from simple feeding?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome to God. He was nourished three months in his father’s house.
Acts 7:21When he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and reared him as her own son.
Acts 22:3“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed…