Lexical Summary ananéphó: To come to one's senses, to regain one's composure, to become sober-minded. Original Word: ἀνανήφω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance recover one's senses From ana and nepho; to become sober again, i.e. (figuratively) regain (one's) senses -- recover self. see GREEK ana see GREEK nepho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and néphó Definition to return to soberness, i.e. regain one's senses NASB Translation come to their senses (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 366: ἀνανήφωἀνανήφω: (`in good authors apparently confined to the present'; 1 aorist ἀνενηψα); to return to soberness (ἐκ μέθης, which is added by Greek writers); metaphorically: 2 Timothy 2:26 ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος (Winers Grammar, § 66, 2 d.) to be set free from the snare of the devil and to return to a sound mind (`one's sober senses'). (Philo, legg. alleg. ii. § 16 ἀνανηφει, τουτ' ἐστι μετανόει; add Josephus, Antiquities 6, 11, 10; Cebes ( Topical Lexicon Core Concept and Imagery Strong’s Greek 366 conveys the decisive moment of waking up from a state of stupefaction or drunkenness. Scripture employs it figuratively to describe the sinner’s sudden recognition of bondage to error and the need to turn to God. The underlying picture is that of a person whose dulled faculties are suddenly cleared so that he can perceive reality, assess danger, and act wisely. New Testament Occurrence 2 Timothy 2:26 stands as the lone New Testament instance: “and that they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will” (Berean Standard Bible). Here Paul urges Timothy to pursue gentle instruction (2 Timothy 2:24-25) in order that those caught in doctrinal error may experience this spiritual sobering. The verb’s subjunctive mood underscores that such awakening depends upon God’s granting repentance, yet it is mediated through faithful teaching. Literary and Historical Background Greek writers sometimes used the term for sailors roused from drunken sleep just in time to avert shipwreck. Paul’s maritime image of believers “shipwrecked in regard to the faith” (1 Timothy 1:19) echoes that background. In a first-century world where wine flowed freely at festivals and banquets, sobriety was a basic mark of moral seriousness (see 1 Thessalonians 5:7-8). Paul harnesses that cultural understanding to depict the lethal intoxication of false doctrine. Theological Significance 1. Divine Initiative and Human Responsibility: The verb implies both God’s granting of clear-headedness (“God may grant them repentance,” 2 Timothy 2:25) and the individual’s response in escaping “the snare of the devil.” Relation to the Wider Biblical Theme of Sobriety Though Strong’s 366 appears once, its concept intertwines with: Together these texts form a canonical motif: spiritual lethargy yields to divine illumination, resulting in repentance, renewed obedience, and readiness for Christ’s return (1 Peter 1:13). Patristic and Reformation Witness John Chrysostom highlighted the pastoral tone, noting that Timothy must not “strike the drunkard” but “offer him the cup of soberness,” so that the imprisoned mind might perceive truth. John Calvin saw in the passage the grace of regeneration, arguing that only the Spirit removes the “intoxication of Satan’s lies” while the minister serves as mouthpiece. Contemporary Ministry Implications • Gentle Apologetics: The verse guides modern pastors to correct error without rancor, trusting God to awaken opponents. Summary Strong’s Greek 366 encapsulates the grace-empowered moment when a person realizes the peril of error, turns away from satanic captivity, and embraces the truth. Though occurring only once in the New Testament, its imagery of sudden sobriety reverberates throughout Scripture, urging believers and ministers alike to pursue clarity, repentance, and steadfast resistance to the devil’s schemes. Forms and Transliterations ανανηψωσιν ανανήψωσιν ἀνανήψωσιν ananepsosin ananēpsōsin ananḗpsosin ananḗpsōsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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