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ἀνάγνωσις

anágnōsis

G320 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The act of reading, particularly aloud or in a public setting; the process of interpreting written text. In specific contexts, may also denote the set reading or lesson to be read publicly, especially scriptural readings in synagogues or assemblies. The central meaning is the activity of reading, with attention to recitation and comprehension, often in a liturgical or communal environment.

Semantic Range

the act of reading, reading aloud, public/scriptural recitation, reading as set lesson, interpretation of written text

Root / Etymology

From ἀναγινώσκω (to read), itself from ἀνά (up, again) and γινώσκω (to know, recognize, understand). The word is a nominal formation indicating the act or process of reading or recognizing written text.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀνάγνωσις referred broadly to reading, recognition through reading, or the reading aloud of a text. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, particularly in the context of Jewish synagogue life and early Christian assemblies, it came to refer specifically to the public reading of scripture. The term appears in LXX and New Testament contexts (e.g., Acts 13:15; 2 Corinthians 3:14; 1 Timothy 4:13), typically with reference to the formal, communal act of reading scriptural passages, often as a set part of communal worship. English translations usually render it simply as 'reading,' but this can obscure its specific associations with public, liturgical reading, not just private or silent reading. In the synagogue context, ἀνάγνωσις can be further specified as the public recitation of passages from Torah or other scriptures, and in early Christian settings, it may encompass both scriptural readings and exhortation. This specialized meaning distinguishes it from general terms for reading (e.g., the verb γιγνώσκω/ἀναγινώσκω outside a liturgical context).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀναγινώσκω; (the act of) reading:--reading.

Root Family

ἀνάγνωσις (anagnōsis) — reading, reading aloud, recognition of written text, public recitation

Root γν- to know, recognize, read aloud

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G320-01 ἀναγνώσει anagnosei N DAT F SG reading in the reading aloud reading 2
G320-02 ἀνάγνωσιν anagnosin N ACC F SG reading reading aloud reading aloud 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G320-02 Acts 13:15 ἀνάγνωσιν anagnosin N ACC F SG reading reading aloud reading aloud
G320-01 2 Corinthians 3:14 ἀναγνώσει anagnosei N DAT F SG reading in the reading aloud reading
G320-01 1 Timothy 4:13 ἀναγνώσει anagnosei N DAT F SG reading in the reading aloud reading aloud
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