Lexical Summary analuó: To depart, to return, to loosen, to dissolve Original Word: ἀναλύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance depart, return. From ana and luo; to break up, i.e. Depart (literally or figuratively) -- depart, return. see GREEK ana see GREEK luo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and luó Definition to unloose for departure NASB Translation depart (1), returns (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 360: ἀναλύωἀναλύω: future ἀναλύσω; 1 aorist ἀνέλυσα; 1. to unloose, undo again (as, woven threads). 2. to depart, German aufbrechen, break up (see ἀνάλυσις, 2), so very often in Greek writings; to depart from life: Philippians 1:23 (Lucian, Philops c. 14 ὀκτωκαιδεκαέτης ὤν ἀνελυεν; add Aelian v. h. 4, 23; (ἀνέλυσεν ὁ ἐπίσκοπος Πλάτων ἐν κυρίῳ, Acta et mart. Matth. § 31)). to return, ἐκ τῶν γάμων, Luke 12:36 (Buttmann, 145 (127); for examples) cf. Kuinoel (and Wetstein) at the passage; Grimm on 2 Macc. 8:25. Strong’s Greek 360 occurs only twice in the New Testament, yet its placement in two strategically different settings provides a rich window into Christian hope and watchfulness. In Philippians it voices the believer’s longing to “depart and be with Christ”; in Luke it pictures servants waiting for their master to “return” from a wedding banquet. Held together, these passages place the entire Christian life between departure to Christ at death and Christ’s own return to His waiting servants. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Philippians 1:23 Both texts appear in distinct literary genres—Pauline epistle and Synoptic parable—underscoring that the concept spans apostolic teaching and the words of the Lord Himself. Departure to be with Christ – Philippians 1:23 “I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.” (Philippians 1:23) Paul views death not as annihilation but as a conscious, immediate presence with Christ. His language affirms: The verse complements 2 Corinthians 5:8, “we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord,” and anticipates 1 Thessalonians 4:14–17 where the dead in Christ rise first. It provides pastoral comfort at funerals and theological foundation for the intermediate state: believers are with Christ though the final resurrection is still future. Awaiting the Master’s Return – Luke 12:36 “Then you will be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can open the door for him at once.” (Luke 12:36) Here the verb pictures the master’s re-entry. The parable stresses: The imagery ties directly to Jesus’ eschatological teaching (Matthew 24:42–51; Mark 13:34–37) and to Revelation 22:12, “Behold, I am coming soon.” The same word that speaks of Paul’s departure now depicts Christ’s return, a deliberate reversal that magnifies the reciprocity of the believer’s journey and the Lord’s coming. Link with Old Testament Imagery Although the verb itself is not used in the Septuagint, its motif echoes Israel’s “exodus” (Exodus 19:4) and the imagery of tents being taken down (Isaiah 38:12). The Old Testament often likens death to a journey, preparing the background for the New Testament fulfillment in Christ. Early Christian Understanding The noun form appears in 2 Timothy 4:6: “the time of my departure has come.” Early church fathers—Ignatius, Polycarp, and later Chrysostom—picked up the term, viewing death as sailing home. Second- and third-century epitaphs frequently describe believers “setting sail” for the heavenly port, reflecting Philippians 1:23’s influence. Theological Implications 1. Intermediate State: Conscious, blessed fellowship with Christ prior to resurrection. Practical Ministry Applications • Funeral messages: Philippians 1:23 offers assurance of immediate presence with Christ. Concluding Reflections With only two appearances, Strong’s Greek 360 stitches together the believer’s personal exodus and the Lord’s triumphant re-entry. The first occurrence looks upward—our departure to Christ; the second looks forward—His return to us. Together they inspire confident hope, patient endurance, and diligent service until the day when “we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Englishman's Concordance Luke 12:36 V-ASA-3SGRK: ἑαυτῶν πότε ἀναλύσῃ ἐκ τῶν NAS: when he returns from the wedding feast, KJV: when he will return from INT: of themselves whenever he shall return from the Philippians 1:23 V-ANA Strong's Greek 360 |
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