Lexical Summary anatithémi: To set forth, to declare, to lay before, to communicate Original Word: ἀνατίθημι 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 Originfrom ana and tithémi Definition to set up, set forth NASB Translation laid (1), submitted (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 394: ἀνατίθημιἀνατίθημι: 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. 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). Implications for Christian Ministry • Transparent Communication: Leaders should willingly “lay before” trusted peers both doctrine and practice, avoiding isolation that breeds error. 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. Related New Testament Concepts • Ὑποτάσσω (“to subject, submit”) underscores willing alignment with authority. 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 anéthetoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 25:14 V-AIM-3SGRK: 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 Strong's Greek 394 |