ἄνωθεν
anōthen
from above/again
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἄνωθεν (anōthen) is derived from two components: "ἄνω" (anō), meaning "above," and the adverbial suffix "-θεν" (-then), which indicates a source or origin. This word has a short definition of "from above" or "again." In the 13 occurrences of this word in the Bible, it is used to convey a sense of origin or a return to a previous state. For example, in John 3:31, it is used to describe the divine origin of Jesus, emphasizing that He comes from above, not from the earth. In John 19:11, it is used to express the idea that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, but from above. The significance of this word lies in its ability to convey a sense of transcendence and a higher authority. It emphasizes that some things come from a source beyond the ordinary, and that there is a realm beyond the physical world that is of greater importance.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences across the text
Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.
Mark 15:38The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.
Luke 1:3it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
John 3:3Jesus answered him, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom.”
John 3:7Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’
John 3:31He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.
John 19:11Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”
John 19:23Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
Acts 26:5having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Galatians 4:9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.
James 3:15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.