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ἄνω

ánō

G507 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

An adverb of place meaning 'above' or 'upward,' indicating position at a higher place or level. Used to denote spatial elevation ('up, above'), position of origin, or status relative to something else (such as 'from above,' 'from the higher region,' or 'on top'). Can also function to indicate that something is situated further up (e.g., at the brim) or comes from a higher source or realm in metaphorical contexts.

Semantic Range

above, on the top, upward, up, high, from above, in the higher place or region, at the brim, from a higher source or realm

Root / Etymology

From the root ἀν- ('up, upon'). Not derived from ἀντί, but directly from an Indo-European prepositional root meaning 'upwards.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἄνω is widely attested in both classical and Koine Greek as an adverb designating spatial or metaphorical height. In classical sources, it regularly means 'upward,' 'up,' or 'above' (as opposed to κάτω, 'down' or 'below'). In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἄνω frequently marks a physical distinction between regions, levels of an object (upper vs. lower parts), or celestial/heavenly domains ('from above' as opposed to earthly origin). Some English translations render it simply as 'above' or 'up,' but the original sense can be both literal and figurative, depending on context. In certain New Testament contexts (John 3:3,31), ἄνω has been understood as referring to heavenly or divine origin, but such metaphorical meaning arises from context rather than the word itself. It remains a standard spatial adverb throughout Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Translation Consistency

primary "above" 8 occurrences

'Above' is the most natural, common English equivalent for ἄνω across its range (spatial elevation, position on top, and metaphorical ‘from above’). It matches the majority of attested renderings, handles both literal and figurative uses better than the less common 'upward' or the rare 'brim,' and will read naturally and consistently in translation.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"brim" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from ἀντί; upward or on the top:--above, brim, high, up.

Root Family

ἄνω (anō) — up, above, upward, on top

Root ἀν- up, above, upward, on top
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G447 ἀνίημι above

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G507-01 ἄνω ano ADV above above above 9

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G507-01 John 2:7 ἄνω ano ADV the brim above the brim
G507-01 John 8:23 ἄνω ano ADV above above above
G507-01 John 11:41 ἄνω ano ADV upward above above
G507-01 Acts 2:19 ἄνω ano ADV above above above
G507-01 Galatians 4:26 ἄνω ano ADV above above above
G507-01 Philippians 3:14 ἄνω ano ADV upward above above
G507-01 Colossians 3:1 ἄνω ano ADV above above above
G507-01 Colossians 3:2 ἄνω ano ADV above above above
G507-01 Hebrews 12:15 ἄνω ano ADV up above above
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