ἀνορθόω (anorthoō)
anorthoō
to restore
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anorthoō describes the act of making something upright or straight again. Its roots combine a prefix meaning "again" with a word for "straight," creating a vivid image of restoration. In Scripture, it is used sparingly but powerfully to depict physical healing and spiritual encouragement.
We see this concrete action in Luke 13:13, where Jesus heals a woman bent double for eighteen years, causing her to stand upright immediately. The word captures the sudden shift from weakness to strength. Similarly, Hebrews 12:12 uses it metaphorically to urge believers to strengthen their weary knees and straighten their drooping hands, framing spiritual endurance as a physical realignment.
Acts 15:16 applies the term to the restoration of David’s fallen tent, quoting the prophet Amos. Here, the word signifies rebuilding what was broken or collapsed. Translators often render it simply as "restore" or "set up," but the underlying imagery emphasizes a return to proper, functional order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anorthoō paints a vivid picture of restoration. It combines the idea of "again" with "straight," describing the act of making something upright that has become bent or broken. In Luke 13:13, Jesus uses this power to heal a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. He touches her, and she stands up straight immediately. This is not just physical healing; it is a return to the fullness of life God intended.
We see this same word used metaphorically in Hebrews 12:12. The writer encourages believers to lift up their weary hands and strengthen their weak knees. Spiritual endurance requires realignment. When we feel drooping or faint, God offers restoration. He does not leave us in our weakness but helps us stand firm again.
In Acts 15:16, the term describes rebuilding David’s fallen tent. This points to a broader restoration of God’s people. Whether it is personal healing, spiritual strength, or communal renewal, God works to set things right. He restores what was broken and brings order to chaos. This promise invites us to trust in His power to make all things new.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- she was made straight1×
- do lift up,1×
- I will set upright1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνωρθώθη1×
- ἀνορθώσω1×
- ἀνορθώσατε,1×
Key Verses
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Luke 13:13
He laid his hands on her, and immediately she stood up straight and glorified God.
This verse shows the word describing immediate physical healing, where Jesus restores a woman’s posture and dignity after long suffering.
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Hebrews 12:12
Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,
Here the term is used metaphorically to encourage believers to realign their spiritual lives by strengthening weak knees and hands.
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Acts 15:16
‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up
The word signifies the rebuilding of David’s fallen tent, pointing to the restoration of God’s people and their communal standing.