ἀναφέρω (anapherō)
anapherō
to carry up
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anapherō literally means to carry or lead something upward. In the Gospels, it describes physical movement, such as when Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain (Matthew 17:1). It also appears in Luke’s account of Jesus being led up into heaven (Luke 24:51), marking a literal ascent to a higher place.
Beyond physical motion, the word carries significant religious weight. In Hebrews and Peter, it describes bringing offerings or sacrifices to an altar. This usage connects directly to Old Testament language for presenting gifts to God. For instance, Hebrews notes that Christ offered up sacrifices once for all (Hebrews 7:27), while Peter speaks of believers offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable through Jesus (1 Peter 2:5).
A key theological point arises in 1 Peter 2:24, where Christ is said to have "borne" our sins on the cross. Here, anapherō shifts from carrying an object to bearing a burden or punishment. This usage highlights the weight of what was carried, linking the physical act of lifting up with the spiritual reality of taking on sin’s penalty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word anapherō paints a picture of lifting something up, whether it is a physical ascent or a spiritual offering. In the Gospels, we see Jesus leading His disciples up a high mountain, revealing His glory in a moment of intimate connection with the Father. This same verb describes His own ascension into heaven and, more profoundly, His act of bearing our sins on the cross. It reminds us that Christ did not just suffer; He actively carried our burden away, offering Himself once for all.
For your daily life, this word invites a beautiful shift in perspective. You are part of a 'holy priesthood' called to offer spiritual sacrifices—praise and obedience—that are acceptable through Jesus. This is not about earning favor, but responding to the grace already given. When you lift your heart in gratitude or present your struggles to God, you join in the rhythm of heaven. It is a gentle reminder that your worship matters and that you are held by One who bore it all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brings up2×
- we may offer1×
- was carried up1×
- to offer up1×
- to offer1×
- to bear1×
- having offered up.1×
- having offered1×
- bore1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναφέρει2×
- ἀνήνεγκεν1×
- ἀνεφέρετο1×
- ἀνενέγκας.1×
- ἀνενέγκας1×
- ἀνενέγκαι1×
- ἀνενεγκεῖν1×
- ἀναφέρωμεν1×
- ἀναφέρειν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 17:1
After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.
This verse shows Jesus physically leading His closest followers upward, setting the stage for a divine revelation that strengthens their faith.
-
Hebrews 7:27
who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself.
Here the word highlights the finality of Christ’s sacrifice, contrasting His single offering with the repeated daily sacrifices of earthly priests.
-
I Peter 2:5
You also as living stones are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Peter uses this term to define the believer's identity as a priest who presents spiritual offerings that God receives through Jesus.
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Luke 24:51
While he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
This occurrence marks the literal ascent of Jesus into heaven, confirming His exaltation and the completion of His earthly mission.