ἀναβαθμός
anabathmós
G304 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A step or stair; specifically, an individual step, a series of steps, or a stairway (structure for ascending or descending between levels); also used figuratively for elevation or progression. The primary meaning is a single step as an architectural element but can refer collectively to a flight of stairs or gradation.
Semantic Range
a (single) stair or step; a stairway or flight of stairs; an ascending platform; succession or gradation (figuratively, rarely)
Root / Etymology
From ἀναβαίνω ('to go up, ascend') and βαθμός ('step, grade'); literally 'an ascending step.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀναβαθμός refers specifically to the step of a stair or a flight of steps, often in architectural contexts such as temples, city walls, or public buildings. In the Septuagint, it commonly translates Hebrew terms for 'step' or 'stair' (e.g., סֻלָּם sullām), and is used for the staircases in the Jerusalem Temple (Ezekiel 40:22, 31, 34, 37). In Josephus and other Koine sources, it appears in descriptions of monumental stairways or terraces. The term is rare in the New Testament, reflecting architectural realities more than symbolic meaning. English translations often render it simply as 'steps,' 'stairs,' or 'stairway,' which adequately conveys the physical sense but may lose architectural specificity. Related terms: βαθμός generally means 'step' or 'grade,' while κλῖμαξ can mean 'ladder' or 'staircase.' ἀναβαθμός emphasizes the action or structure of 'going up' via steps, whether literal or (rarely) figurative, as in progress or elevation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀναβαίνω (compare βαθμός); a stairway:--stairs.
Root Family
ἀναβαθμός (anabathmos) — step, stair, grade
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G304-01 |
ἀναβαθμῶν | anabathmon | N GEN M PL |
stairs | of steps | steps | 1 |
G304-02 |
ἀναβαθμούς | anabathmous | N ACC M PL |
stairs | ascending steps | steps | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G304-02 |
Acts 21:35 | ἀναβαθμούς | anabathmous | N ACC M PL |
stairs | ascending steps | steps |
G304-01 |
Acts 21:40 | ἀναβαθμῶν | anabathmon | N GEN M PL |
stairs | of steps | steps |