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ἄνεσις

ánesis

G425 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Release or easing from tension, strain, or hardship; in particular, a state or period of relief, rest, or relaxation following pressure or sorrow. In some contexts, denotes an alleviation from suffering, trouble, or affliction, extending also to describe freedom from constraint or anxiety.

Semantic Range

physical loosening or untying, relief from affliction or pressure, rest from hardship, liberty or freedom from strictures, alleviation of burden, relaxation, ease from anxiety or distress

Root / Etymology

Formed from ἀνίημι (aniēmi), meaning 'to loosen, relax, let up, release,' with the abstract noun suffix -σις (-sis) denoting an action or resulting state. Thus, ἄνεσις literally signifies the act or experience of loosening or relief.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In earlier and classical Greek, ἄνεσις described a loosening, relaxation (of a tight condition), or a lessening of tension (as in the loosening of a bow or cord). In the Koine period, especially in Hellenistic and New Testament usage, it often refers to a period or experience of relief from external pressures, be they physical, financial, or psychological. In the New Testament (for example, Acts 24:23; 2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7), it is commonly used for relief from persecution or hardship, or for being given more freedom of movement or liberty of action (as in release from custody). English translations like 'rest,' 'relief,' or 'liberty' do not always convey the nuance that the word often expresses a transition from hardship or affliction to a period of ease. In the Septuagint, the term is rare but follows similar semantic contours. The nuance differs from related concepts such as ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis, 'rest, repose'), which can emphasize cessation or rest more absolutely or in a spiritual sense, whereas ἄνεσις centers on relief or unburdening.

Translation Consistency

primary "relief" 5 occurrences

ἄνεσις most commonly denotes a state or experience of easing, rest, or alleviation from pressure or suffering. "Relief" is the natural, widely used English word that best captures the usual semantic range (release from strain, rest, alleviation of burden or anxiety) and matches the majority of existing renderings.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"most holy" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνίημι; relaxation or (figuratively) relief:--eased, liberty, rest.

Root Family

ἄνεσις (anesis) — loosening, release, relief, letting up

Root ἀνιημι- to loosen, to release, to let up

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G425-02 ἄνεσιν anesin N ACC F SG rest relief relief 4
G425-01 ἁγιωτάτῃ agiotate ADJ.A DAT F SG SUPL most holy to the most holy most holy 1
G425-03 ἄνεσις anesis N NOM F SG relief relief relief 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G425-02 Acts 24:23 ἄνεσιν anesin N ACC F SG liberty relief relief
G425-02 2 Corinthians 2:13 ἄνεσιν anesin N ACC F SG rest relief relief
G425-02 2 Corinthians 7:5 ἄνεσιν anesin N ACC F SG rest relief relief
G425-03 2 Corinthians 8:13 ἄνεσις anesis N NOM F SG relief relief relief
G425-02 2 Thessalonians 1:7 ἄνεσιν anesin N ACC F SG relief relief relief
G425-01 Jude 1:20 ἁγιωτάτῃ agiotate ADJ.A DAT F SG SUPL most holy to the most holy most holy
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