Lexical Summary anagnósis: Reading Original Word: ἀνάγνωσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reading. From anaginosko; (the act of) reading -- reading. see GREEK anaginosko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 320 anágnōsis – reading. See 314 (anaginōskō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anaginóskó Definition recognition, reading NASB Translation reading (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 320: ἀνάγνωσιςἀνάγνωσις, (εως, ἡ (ἀναγινώσκω, which see); a. a knowing again, owning. b. reading (from Plato on): Acts 13:15; 2 Corinthians 3:14; 1 Timothy 4:13. (Nehemiah 8:8 equivalent to מִקרָא.) Strong’s Greek 320 (ἀνάγνωσις, anagnōsis) denotes the act of reading aloud, especially the public reading of Scripture. The term appears three times in the New Testament and always in settings where God’s Word is proclaimed to gathered hearers. Old Covenant Background Public reading formed the backbone of Israel’s covenant life. At Mount Sinai the people heard the “Book of the Covenant” read before committing themselves (Exodus 24:7). Moses charged the nation to rehearse the Law during the Feast of Tabernacles every seventh year (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). In the post-exilic era Ezra’s public reading and explanation of the Law (Nehemiah 8:1-8) re-established this practice. By the first century such readings had become a fixed element of synagogue worship, preparing the way for the Christian use of ἀνάγνωσις. Synagogue Practice and Early Church Acts 13:15 records Paul and Barnabas in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch: “After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.’” The customary sequence—reading followed by exhortation—mirrors Luke 4:16-21 where Jesus reads Isaiah and expounds it. The early churches, many of which sprang from synagogue communities, naturally retained the rhythmic pairing of reading and exposition, now centered on the fulfillment found in Christ. Public Reading in Apostolic Instruction In 1 Timothy 4:13 Paul commands, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.” Here ἀνάγνωσις heads the list, underscoring its foundational role: Scripture is heard before it is preached or taught. The directive is not limited to Timothy’s personal devotion but addresses congregational worship. The pastoral letters assume gatherings where Old Testament scrolls and emerging apostolic writings are read aloud (compare Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27), reinforcing the authority and sufficiency of the inspired text. Spiritual Dynamics in 2 Corinthians 3:14 Paul writes, “For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.” The problem is not with the act of ἀνάγνωσις but with the hearer’s heart; apart from Christ the meaning of the Scriptures stays veiled. Yet the very reading that exposes hardness also becomes the means by which the Spirit unveils Christ to repentant listeners (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). Thus public reading possesses both revelatory and judicial functions. Historical Development after the Apostolic Age The second-century church manuals (e.g., Justin Martyr’s First Apology) describe lengthy readings from “the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets.” Over time, lectionaries organized passages for annual cycles, but the central conviction remained: God addresses His people when Scripture is read. The Reformation restored vernacular readings, and historic confessions continue to place the public reading of both Testaments before preaching. Practical Applications for the Church Today • Integrate substantial, context-sensitive readings into every worship service. Summary ἀνάγνωσις captures a divinely ordained means by which God speaks, enlightens, and sanctifies His people. From synagogue to church, from apostolic command to present practice, the public reading of Scripture stands as an indispensable element of worship and discipleship, ensuring that the voice of God remains central in the life of His covenant community. Englishman's Concordance Acts 13:15 N-AFSGRK: δὲ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ νόμου NAS: After the reading of the Law KJV: And after the reading of the law and INT: moreover the reading of the law 2 Corinthians 3:14 N-DFS 1 Timothy 4:13 N-DFS Strong's Greek 320 |
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