ἀναπτύσσω
anaptýssō
G380 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To open or unfold by unrolling, especially of scrolls or written documents; to expand or spread out by unrolling. The verb primarily refers to the physical act of unrolling a scroll or rolled object, but in some texts may extend metaphorically to the revealing or disclosure of the content within the unrolled object.
Semantic Range
to unroll a scroll or volume, to open (by unrolling), to unfold (physically), to reveal by opening (esp. of written material)
Root / Etymology
From ἀνά ('up, again, back') and πτύσσω ('to fold, to wrap'), thus 'to unroll, to unfold.' The verb is a compound where ἀνά expresses reversal or removal, and πτύσσω denotes folding (so, 'to open by unfolding').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine and Hellenistic Greek, ἀναπτύσσω is used most commonly in reference to written media (scrolls, volumes), especially in the context of reading aloud—scrolls were typically rolled up, so to begin reading one would ἀναπτύσσειν ('open/unroll') the scroll. In the LXX and in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 4:17), it retains this literal sense. Rarely, the sense is broadened metaphorically, but the primary usage is practical, not figurative. In classical Greek, πτύσσω was the more common verb simply to 'fold' or 'wrap,' while ἀναπτύσσω is attested less frequently; in Koine, it is set apart specifically for unrolling or opening scrolls or similar items. English translations often render this as 'opened' or 'unrolled,' but may not highlight the specific act of unrolling a document. The action reflects the material form of books in the ancient world (scrolls, not codices).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀνά (in the sense of reversal) and πτύσσω; to unroll (a scroll or volume):--open.
Root Family
πτυσ- (anaptýssō) — to fold, to wrap
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G380-01 |
ἀναπτύξας | anaptuxas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having unrolled | having unrolled | having unrolled | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G380-01 |
Luke 4:17 | ἀναπτύξας | anaptuxas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having unrolled | having unrolled | having unrolled |