ἀνανεόω
ananeóō
G365 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To renew or make new again; specifically, to impart newness, freshness, or to cause a transformation so as to bring something into a different, improved, or restored condition. Carries the sense of making fresh or young again, often with a focus on inward, qualitative change; in some contexts, emphasizes revitalization or spiritual renewal.
Semantic Range
to make new again, to give new life to, to renew (inwardly or morally), to restore to a former or better state, to refresh
Root / Etymology
From ἀνά (again, back) and a verbal derivative of νέος (new, young); formed as a causative verb meaning 'to make new again' or 'to renew'. The construction directly conveys the idea of returning to a state of newness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἀνανεόω is a relatively rare word in Greek literature, with its earliest attestations appearing in later classical and Hellenistic sources. In the New Testament, it occurs in contexts emphasizing inner change or transformation, notably in the Pauline epistles (e.g., Ephesians 4:23, Colossians 3:10), where it refers to the renovation of the mind or self in a moral or spiritual sense. The Septuagint uses related terms less frequently, as Hebrew expresses 'renewal' with different roots. In non-biblical Koine literature, the term retains the sense of making something fresh or new again, but can broaden to physical or social contexts. Unlike other words for 'new' in Greek (e.g., καινός, which can connote 'unprecedented' or 'recent'), ἀνανεόω implies a restoration or improvement of what already exists rather than absolute novelty. English translations often render it as 'renew', which captures the core sense, though the underlying Greek can convey a more dynamic concept of transformation or renovation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀνά and a derivative of νέος; to renovate, i.e. reform:--renew.
Root Family
ἀνανεόω (ananeoō) — to make new, to renew, to restore
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G365-01 |
ἀνανεοῦσθαι | ananeousthai | V PRS PASS INF |
to be renewed | to be renewed | to be renewed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G365-01 |
Ephesians 4:23 | ἀνανεοῦσθαι | ananeousthai | V PRS PASS INF |
to be renewed | to be renewed | to be renewed |