ἄνωθεν
ánōthen
G509 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
From above, indicating spatial origin or source; from a higher place or position (literal). By extension, from the beginning or the start of a sequence (temporal). In certain contexts, signifies 'anew' or 'again,' particularly with reference to the initiation or renewal of an action, process, or state.
Semantic Range
from above (spatial origin), from a higher place, from the beginning (temporal), anew, again, from the top
Root / Etymology
Derived from ἄνω (ánō, 'above, upward') with the adverbial suffix -θεν (indicating 'from a place or source'); composed of ἄνω + -θεν → 'from above.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἄνωθεν is attested in classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus, Thucydides), primarily with the literal meaning 'from above' or 'from a higher place.' In Hellenistic and Koine usage, and especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, it develops additional senses, most notably 'from the beginning' (temporal) and, by semantic extension, 'again, anew,' highlighting the initiation or renewal of something. The temporal sense ('from the beginning') appears in both secular and Jewish-Greek texts. Notably, in John 3:3, ἄνωθεν bears ambiguity—potentially meaning either 'from above' (spatial/divine origin) or 'anew' (begin again, be born anew); many English translations traditionally render it as 'again,' but the Johannine context invites both readings. This dual sense is not unique to the New Testament but reflects broader Hellenistic usage. The word may be contrasted with πάλιν ('again' in the sense of repetition) and ἐξ ἀρχῆς ('from the start/beginning'). Standard English translations may obscure the wordplay or duality present in certain Koine contexts, particularly in theological passages.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἄνω; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew:--from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top.
Root Family
ἄνωθεν (anōthen) — above, upward, origin, beginning
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G509-01 |
ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
from above | from above | 13 |
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G509-01 |
Matthew 27:51 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
from above | |
G509-01 |
Mark 15:38 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
top | from above |
G509-01 |
Luke 1:3 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
from the beginning | from above |
G509-01 |
John 3:3 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
from above | from above |
G509-01 |
John 3:7 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
again/from above | from above |
G509-01 |
John 3:31 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
from above | from above |
G509-01 |
John 19:11 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
from-above | from above |
G509-01 |
John 19:23 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
top | from above |
G509-01 |
Acts 26:5 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
from the beginning | from above |
G509-01 |
Galatians 4:9 | ἄνωθεν | anothen | ADV |
anew | from above |