Lexical Summary epanagó: To bring back, to return, to lead up again Original Word: ἐπανάγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance put out to sea, thrust out, return. From epi and anago; to lead up on, i.e. (technical) to put out (to sea); (intransitively) to return -- launch (thrust) out, return. see GREEK epi see GREEK anago NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and anagó Definition to put out (to sea), to return NASB Translation put (2), returning (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1877: ἐπανάγωἐπανάγω; 2 aorist infinitive ἐπαναγαγεῖν, imperative ἐπανάγαγε (participle ἐπαναγαγων, Matthew 21:18 T WH text Tr marginal reading); 1. literally, to lead up upon, namely, τό πλοῖον, a ship upon the deep, i. e. to put out, Luke 5:3 (Xenophon, Hell. 6, 2, 28; 2 Macc. 12:4); with εἰς τό βάθος added, into the deep, ibid. 4. 2. to lead back; intransitive, to return (cf. Buttmann, 144 (126)): Matthew 21:18; (2 Macc. 9:21; Xenophon, Cyril 4, 1, 3; Polybius, Diodorus, Josephus, Herodian, others). The verb conveys the idea of moving out or back in a purposeful way—either “putting out” from a shoreline or “returning” to a previous point. The motion is intentional and often preparatory for a significant encounter. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 5:3 – a request to push the boat a short distance from land. Luke 5:3–4 — Command to Launch Out After teaching the crowds, Jesus directs Peter twice: first for a slight repositioning, then for a bold advance into deeper waters. “When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down your nets for a catch.’ ” (Luke 5:4). The double use of the verb underscores progressive obedience: small acts of compliance pave the way for greater steps of faith. The miraculous catch that follows authenticates Christ’s authority and anticipates the disciples’ future mission of “catching men” (Luke 5:10). Matthew 21:18 — Returning to the City “In the morning, as Jesus was returning to the city, He was hungry.” (Matthew 21:18). The verb frames the Lord’s purposeful movement back toward Jerusalem, setting the stage for the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple. His return is not mere travel; it is a calculated advance into confrontation with fruitlessness and corrupt worship during Passion Week. Symbolic and Theological Themes 1. Progressive Revelation: From shallow water to the depths, the term accents the Lord’s pattern of leading His followers from initial exposure to deeper commitment. Ministry Application • Pastoral leadership: Encourage believers to obey incremental promptings of the Lord, trusting that small launches lead to abundant harvests. Intertextual Considerations Though the verb itself is sparse, its motif resonates with Old Testament scenes of advancement under divine command: Noah’s launching of the ark (Genesis 7), Israel’s crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3), and Elijah’s return to confront Ahab (1 Kings 18:2). Each illustrates forward movement that precipitates divine intervention. Historical Reception Early patristic writers, notably Cyril of Alexandria, saw in Luke 5 a paradigm for apostolic ministry—Christ teaches from the boat (the Church) and then orders the Church into the Gentile “deep.” Medieval commentators linked Matthew 21:18 to the prophetic tradition of divine visits that expose unfruitfulness. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1877, while rare, marks pivotal transitions in the Gospel narrative. Whether urging fishermen into the deep or guiding the Messiah back to the climactic arena of redemption, the verb embodies intentional, God-directed motion that brings revelation, fruitfulness, and fulfillment of divine purpose. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 21:18 V-APA-NMSGRK: Πρωὶ δὲ ἐπανάγων εἰς τὴν NAS: in the morning, when He was returning to the city, KJV: in the morning as he returned into INT: in the morning moreover having come back into the Luke 5:3 V-ANA Luke 5:4 V-AMA-2S Strong's Greek 1877 |
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