394. anatithémi
Lexical Summary
anatithémi: To set forth, to declare, to lay before, to communicate

Original Word: ἀνατίθημι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: anatithémi
Pronunciation: ah-nah-TITH-ay-mee
Phonetic Spelling: (an-at-ith'-em-ahee)
KJV: communicate, declare
NASB: laid, submitted
Word Origin: [from G303 (ἀνά - each) and the middle voice of G5087 (τίθημι - laid)]

1. to set forth (for oneself), i.e propound, declare

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
communicate, declare.

From ana and the middle voice of tithemi; to set forth (for oneself), i.e propound -- communicate, declare.

see GREEK ana

see GREEK tithemi

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from ana and tithémi
Definition
to set up, set forth
NASB Translation
laid (1), submitted (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 394: ἀνατίθημι

ἀνατίθημι: 2 aorist middle ἀνεθέμην; (in various senses from Homer down); in the middle voice to set forth a thing drawn forth, as it were, from some corner (ἀνά), to set forth (in words), declare (R. V. lay before): τίνι τί, Acts 25:14: Galatians 2:2 (2 Macc. 3:9; (Micah 7:5); Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 64 τίνι τό ὄναρ; Diogenes Laërtius 2, 17, 16, p. 191, Heubn. edition; Plutarch, amat. narr., p. 772 d.) Cf. Fritzschiorum Opuscc., p. 169; (Holsten, Zum Evang. des Paulus n. d. Petrus, p. 256f. Compare: προσανατίθημι.)

Topical Lexicon
Root Concept and Semantic Range

The verb conveys the act of setting something before another person—intellectually rather than physically—so that it may be weighed, examined, or judged. It implies deliberate, respectful presentation, whether of a message, a case, or an idea needing authoritative consideration.

New Testament Usage

1. Galatians 2:2 records Paul’s journey to Jerusalem where he “presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles”. The term underscores Paul’s purposeful submission of his missionary message to the acknowledged leaders, seeking their discernment and confirming unity in doctrine.
2. Acts 25:14 describes Festus who “laid Paul’s case before the king.” Here, the word frames a formal legal briefing, indicating that Paul’s situation required the judgment of Agrippa, a higher authority.

Historical and Cultural Background

In Greco-Roman legal and rhetorical settings, formal presentation of arguments or cases to superiors was a routine mechanism for finding consensus and ensuring justice. Jewish practice likewise valued submitting disputed matters to recognized elders or courts. The New Testament authors draw on this shared cultural expectation of deference to properly constituted authority.

Theological Significance

1. Doctrinal Accountability: Paul’s use of the verb transparently models how even an apostle safeguarded the gospel by exposing it to scrutiny. The word choice signals that revelatory insight, though divine in origin, still benefits from confirmation within the covenant community (see also Acts 15).
2. Divine Providence in Legal Affairs: Festus’ presentation of Paul’s case to Agrippa advances redemptive history, eventually sending Paul to Rome in fulfillment of Acts 23:11. God employs the orderly procedures of human government to achieve His purposes.

Implications for Christian Ministry

• Transparent Communication: Leaders should willingly “lay before” trusted peers both doctrine and practice, avoiding isolation that breeds error.
• Submission to God-ordained Authority: Whether ecclesiastical or civil, legitimate structures are means by which God preserves truth and justice (Romans 13:1–7).
• Seeking Wise Counsel: The term encourages believers to value collaborative discernment rather than unilateral decision-making (Proverbs 15:22).

Connections to Old Testament Patterns

The practice echoes Moses presenting cases before the Lord (Exodus 18:19) and Israel’s prophets placing covenant charges before the people (Micah 6:1–2). Such precedents affirm that bringing matters into the open aligns with God’s covenantal dealings.

Practical Application

• Church Planters: Imitate Paul by submitting ministry strategies and teaching to seasoned elders for confirmation.
• Believers Facing Trial: Recognize that presenting one’s cause, even before secular courts, can serve God’s broader plans.
• Teachers and Disciplers: Encourage open forums where doctrine can be examined, promoting unity and guarding against factionalism.

Related New Testament Concepts

• Ὑποτάσσω (“to subject, submit”) underscores willing alignment with authority.
• Συμβιβάζω (“to knit together, instruct”) highlights communal clarification of truth.

Together these reinforce the ethos of orderly, accountable proclamation portrayed by Strong’s Greek 394.

Forms and Transliterations
αναθή αναθήσεις ανατεθή ανατιναγμός ανεθεμην ανεθέμην ἀνεθέμην ανεθετο ανέθετο ἀνέθετο ανέθηκαν anethemen anethemēn anethémen anethémēn anetheto anétheto
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 25:14 V-AIM-3S
GRK: τῷ βασιλεῖ ἀνέθετο τὰ κατὰ
NAS: there, Festus laid Paul's case
KJV: days, Festus declared Paul's cause
INT: the king laid before the things relating to

Galatians 2:2 V-AIM-1S
GRK: ἀποκάλυψιν καὶ ἀνεθέμην αὐτοῖς τὸ
NAS: that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel
KJV: and communicated unto them
INT: revelation and laid before them the

Strong's Greek 394
2 Occurrences


ἀνεθέμην — 1 Occ.
ἀνέθετο — 1 Occ.

393
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