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ἀναχωρέω

anachōréō

G402 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ἀναχωρ- to withdraw, to depart, to move away

Definition

To withdraw, depart, or move away from a place or situation, often intentionally or for the purposes of seeking privacy, safety, or to avoid conflict. The core meaning involves physical movement away from a location but can also extend metaphorically to withdrawing from involvement, association, or interaction. In narrative and historical contexts, commonly connotes deliberate withdrawal, whether for strategic, personal, or precautionary reasons.

Semantic Range

to withdraw, to go away, to depart, to leave, to retreat, to turn aside, to separate oneself

Root / Etymology

From ἀνά ('up, away') and χωρέω ('to make room, to go, to move'). Forms a compound with the sense 'to go away' or 'to move out from a place.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀναχωρέω can refer to retreat from battle, a formal or tactical withdrawal, or simply leaving a place. In Hellenistic and Koine usage (including the Septuagint and New Testament), it frequently describes departing from a town or group, especially to avoid danger, persecution, or confrontation (e.g., Matthew 2:14 of Joseph taking Mary and Jesus and departing for Egypt; Matthew 4:12 of Jesus withdrawing upon hearing of John's arrest). The verb can imply intentional separation for safety, privacy, or strategic purposes. It never denotes a random departure but rather a purposeful withdrawal. Standard English translations—'depart,' 'withdraw,' 'go away'—often capture the main sense, but may fail to communicate the context of conscious but non-confrontational disengagement, which can be significant in cultural or narrative settings. Not to be confused with φεύγω, which often emphasizes flight or escape under duress. ἀναχωρέω can be neutral or strategic, not necessarily implying fear or urgency.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνά and χωρέω; to retire:--depart, give place, go (turn) aside, withdraw self.

Root Family

ἀναχωρέω (anachōreō) — to withdraw, to depart, to move away

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G402-06 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he withdrew he withdrew 9
G402-02 ἀναχωρήσαντες anachoresantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having withdrawn having withdrawn 1
G402-05 ἀνεχώρησαν anechoresan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they departed they withdrew 1
G402-03 ἀναχωρησάντων anachoresanton V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL they had departed of those having withdrawn 1
G402-01 ἀναχωρεῖτε anachoreite V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL Withdraw 1
G402-04 ἀναχωρήσας anachoresas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG withdrew having withdrawn 1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G402-05 Matthew 2:12 ἀνεχώρησαν anechoresan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they departed they withdrew
G402-03 Matthew 2:13 ἀναχωρησάντων anachoresanton V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL they had departed of those having withdrawn
G402-06 Matthew 2:14 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG departed he withdrew
G402-06 Matthew 2:22 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he withdrew he withdrew
G402-06 Matthew 4:12 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he withdrew
G402-01 Matthew 9:24 ἀναχωρεῖτε anachoreite V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL Withdraw
G402-06 Matthew 12:15 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he withdrew
G402-06 Matthew 14:13 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he withdrew
G402-06 Matthew 15:21 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he withdrew
G402-06 Matthew 27:5 ἀνεχώρησεν anechoresen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he withdrew
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