ἀνίημι (aniēmi)
aniēmi
to loosen/leave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anieō literally means to loosen or let go, often describing the physical act of releasing tension. In Acts 16:26, it describes the chains falling loose from prisoners’ wrists after an earthquake, while in Acts 27:40, sailors use it to describe cutting away the anchors to let the ship drift with the wind.
Metaphorically, the word shifts to emotional or relational release. In Ephesians 6:9, Paul urges masters to stop threatening their slaves, using a term that implies relaxing strict control and ceasing harsh demands. This usage highlights a shift from holding tight to allowing freedom.
The sources note its use in Hebrews 13:5 for God’s promise not to leave or forsake His people, contrasting with the anxiety of abandonment. Here, "letting go" takes on a positive sense of reliable support rather than neglect. Translators often render this as "leave" or "forsake," capturing the idea of withdrawing support.
Its root combines an- (up/back) and hiēmi (to send), suggesting a sending back or release. This etymology supports its range from physical unbinding to spiritual abandonment, depending on context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word anieō carries the simple, physical sense of loosening a grip or untying a knot. In Acts 16:26, this literal meaning describes chains falling loose after an earthquake, freeing prisoners who had no power to free themselves. It reminds us that God can break bonds we cannot see, releasing us from situations where we feel stuck or trapped by circumstances beyond our control.
Yet the word also speaks to how we hold onto things. In Ephesians 6:9, Paul asks masters to stop threatening their slaves, using this term for letting go of harsh control. This invites us to examine what we are gripping too tightly in our own lives—whether it is anger, fear, or the need to manage every outcome around us. Learning to loosen our hands can bring peace.
Most reassuringly, Hebrews 13:5 uses this word to describe God’s promise not to leave His people. Here, 'letting go' does not mean abandonment, but rather a release of anxiety because we are held securely by Him. We do not need to cling desperately to our own strength or security. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that He who promises is faithful, and He will never forsake those who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were loosed.1×
- shall I leave,1×
- having loosened1×
- giving up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνῶ,1×
- ἀνέντες1×
- ἀνέθη.1×
- ἀνιέντες1×
Key Verses
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Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened.
This verse shows the word’s literal meaning as chains physically loosening, illustrating divine intervention that frees people from impossible confinement.
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Ephesians 6:9
You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
Here the term shifts to relational dynamics, urging leaders to release harsh control and stop threatening subordinates, reflecting God’s impartiality.
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Hebrews 13:5
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”
In this promise, the word conveys God’s faithful presence, assuring believers that He will not withdraw His support or abandon them in need.