ἀνατρέπω (G396) — Greek Lexicon

ἀνατρέπω

anatrépō

G396 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To overturn; literally, to turn something upside-down or to overthrow it. In extended or figurative sense, to subvert, undermine, or destroy (e.g., an argument, faith, order, or institution). Can refer both to physical actions of toppling or inverting, and to abstract actions such as upsetting established beliefs or structures.

Semantic Range

to overturn, to turn over, to overthrow (physically), to ruin, to subvert, to undermine, to cause downfall

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἀνά ('up', 'again', 'back') combined with the verb τρέπω ('to turn'), forming a compound meaning 'to turn up or over.' Thus, it is 'to turn up,' i.e., to overturn.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀνατρέπω commonly referred to the physical act of overturning objects or chariots, or destroying cities by razing them. It is found in both literal and figurative senses in literary sources from the classical period (e.g., Herodotus, Xenophon) through the Koine period. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the emphasis often shifts to the figurative sense: bringing about the downfall or ruin of non-physical entities, such as faith (2 Timothy 2:18) or proper order. English translations often choose 'overthrow' or 'subvert', but these may fail to capture the physical nuance or the range from violent upending to subtle undermining, depending on context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνά and the base of τροπή; to overturn (figuratively):--overthrow, subvert.

Root Family

ἀνατρέπω (anatrepō) — to turn, to overturn, to overthrow, to subvert

Root τρεπ- to turn, to change direction

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G396-01`	ἀνατρέπουσιν	anatrepousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	overthrow	they are overturning	are overturning	2
`G396-02`	ἀνέτρεψεν	anetrepsen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	overthrew	he overturned	he overturned	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G396-02`	John 2:15	ἀνέτρεψεν	anetrepsen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	overthrew	he overturned	he overturned
`G396-01`	2 Timothy 2:18	ἀνατρέπουσιν	anatrepousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	overthrow	they are overturning	they are overturning
`G396-01`	Titus 1:11	ἀνατρέπουσιν	anatrepousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	subvert	they are overturning	are overturning

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