ἀνοίγω (anoigō)
anoigō
to open
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 75 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb anoigō means to open, whether a physical barrier or an abstract possibility. In the New Testament it appears seventy-five times, covering everything as Jesus opens the eyes of the blind in John 9:11 and Paul speaks of God opening a door for ministry in Acts 14:27. The word carries a sense of removal, clearing a way where there was once obstruction.
Its force comes from its parts: ana ("up" or "again") and oigo ("to open"). This combination often implies a thorough or decisive opening. The sources highlight its Hebraistic use for beginning to speak, as when Stephen opens his defense in Acts 7:56 or the Ethiopian eunuch begins reading Scripture in Acts 8:32. It also describes the dramatic opening of heaven at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:16.
Translators typically render it simply as "open," but the context reveals its weight. In Revelation, opening seals and books signals the unfolding of divine history. The word consistently points to access being granted, whether through a gate, speech, or sight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anoigō simply means to open, but in Scripture it carries a sense of decisive access. It describes Jesus opening the eyes of the blind, the heavens parting at His baptism, and doors of ministry swinging wide for the apostles. This verb reminds us that God is the one who removes barriers, granting sight where there was darkness and opportunity where there was closed-off stagnation.
For your daily life, this word offers comfort when you feel stuck. Whether you are seeking understanding in Scripture or hoping for a new path in your work, anoigō points to God’s initiative. He opens what we cannot open ourselves, inviting us into His presence with confidence rather than fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 75 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- opened14×
- He opened8×
- to open7×
- having opened6×
- were opened5×
- was opened3×
- she opened2×
- it will be opened.2×
- it will be opened2×
- do open2×
- Having opened2×
- were opened.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἤνοιξεν14×
- ἀνοῖξαι6×
- ἀνοίξας5×
- ἠνοίγη3×
- ἠνεῴχθησαν3×
- ἠνεῳγμένον3×
- ἀνοίξαντες3×
- ἤνοιξέν2×
- ἠνέῳξέν2×
- ἄνοιξον2×
- ἀνέῳγεν2×
- ἀνοίξῃ2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 3:16
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him.
This verse marks the public start of Jesus’ ministry as the heavens are opened, revealing divine approval and the Spirit’s descent.
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John 9:14
It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.
Here the word describes a physical miracle where Jesus restores sight, demonstrating His power over spiritual blindness.
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Luke 3:21
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized and was praying. The sky was opened,
The sky is opened during Jesus’ prayer, signaling a direct connection between heaven and earth at the beginning of His mission.
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Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
Jesus uses this verb to encourage persistent prayer, promising that God responds to those who actively seek Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does anoigō mean in the New Testament?
How is anoigō different from other words for open?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (75 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 11 verses
They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening…
Matthew 3:16Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the…
Matthew 5:2He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
Matthew 7:7“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
Matthew 7:8For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 9:30Then their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.”
Matthew 13:35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will…
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 20:33They told him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”
Matthew 25:11Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’
Matthew 27:52The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;