ἀνήκω
anḗkō
G433 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pertain, to belong, to be proper or fitting. Used of something that is appropriate or right within a particular context, often referring to what is suitable, due, or owed. Primarily denotes the concept of what is appropriate or related by obligation or custom. In specific contexts, it can refer to what is expected or belongs to a role, situation, or relationship.
Semantic Range
to pertain to, to relate to, to belong to, to be appropriate, to be proper, to be fitting, to be due, to be right
Root / Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἀνά (up, again, back) and the verb ἥκω (to have come, to be present). The root sense appears to be 'to have arrived at, to be present with respect to something,' hence, 'to pertain to' or 'to be appropriate to.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in Hellenistic Greek and common in legal, administrative, and ethical texts to refer to what is one's due or what pertains by right or obligation. In the New Testament, ἀνήκω carries a meaning akin to 'to be fitting' or 'to be proper/appropriate,' often in moral or social contexts (cf. Colossians 3:18), and is less about mere convenience and more about what is proper by established obligation or custom. English translations may use 'is fitting,' 'is proper,' 'is due,' or 'is right'; 'convenient' (KJV) does not always capture the full sense of obligation or appropriateness intended in Greek. There is no significant evidence of a shift in meaning from the LXX to the NT period. The term does not imply physical attainment or arrival but rather a relational or appropriateness connection. Contrasts with καθήκω, which more strictly means 'to be fitting' in a moral or ethical sense, though overlap occurs.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀνά and ἥκω; to attain to, i.e. (figuratively) be proper:--convenient, be fit.
Root Family
ἀνήκω (anēkō) — to pertain, to belong, to be proper
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G433-01 |
ἀνῆκεν | aneken | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
are fitting | was proper | are fitting | 2 |
G433-02 |
ἀνῆκον | anekon | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N SG |
proper | being fitting | being fitting | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G433-01 |
Ephesians 5:4 | ἀνῆκεν | aneken | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
are fitting | was proper | are fitting |
G433-01 |
Colossians 3:18 | ἀνῆκεν | aneken | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
is fitting | was proper | is fitting |
G433-02 |
Philemon 1:8 | ἀνῆκον | anekon | V PRS ACT PTCP ACC N SG |
proper | being fitting | being fitting |