ἀνώγεον (anōgeon)
anōgeon
an upper room
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anogeon refers simply to an upper room or a chamber located on the top floor of a house. Derived from words meaning "above" and "earth," it describes a physical space elevated above the ground level. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both in the accounts of the Last Supper preparations (Mark 14:15; Luke 22:12).
While the sources note that hyperōon is a synonym for this concept, anogeon specifically highlights the vertical location of the room. It was likely a designated space for private gatherings or meals, offering privacy from the street below. The brevity of its usage in Scripture focuses attention on the setting itself rather than theological abstraction, marking it as a place of intimate fellowship before the crucifixion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anōgeon points to a simple physical reality: an upper room on the top floor of a house. In the ancient world, this space offered privacy and quiet away from the busy street below. It was not a grand hall but a practical place for close fellowship. This setting allowed Jesus and His disciples to gather without interruption before the events of Good Friday.
When we read about this room in Mark and Luke, we see how God uses ordinary places for sacred moments. The preparation of a furnished space shows care and intentionality. It reminds us that our daily lives, including our homes and routines, can be settings for deep spiritual connection. We do not need special buildings to find intimacy with God or community with others.
This word invites us to value the quiet corners of our own lives. Just as the disciples had a specific place to prepare, we too have spaces where we can meet with Jesus. It is an encouragement that God meets us in the everyday, turning ordinary rooms into places of lasting memory and faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an upper room2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνάγαιον2×
Key Verses
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Mark 14:15
He will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Get ready for us there.”
This verse highlights the specific instruction to find a 'large upper room' that was already furnished, showing divine provision for the Last Supper.
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Luke 22:12
He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.”
Luke records the same detail about a 'furnished upper room,' emphasizing the readiness and privacy needed for this final meal with His disciples.