392. anatassomai
Lexical Summary
anatassomai: To arrange again, to set in order, to compile.

Original Word: ἀνατάσσομαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: anatassomai
Pronunciation: an-at-as'-som-ahee
Phonetic Spelling: (an-at-as'-som-ahee)
KJV: set in order
NASB: compile
Word Origin: [from G303 (ἀνά - each) and the middle voice of G5021 (τάσσω - appointed)]

1. to compose (in a very orderly manner)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
set in order.

From ana and the middle voice of tasso; to arrange -- set in order.

see GREEK ana

see GREEK tasso

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from ana and tassó
Definition
to arrange in order
NASB Translation
compile (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 392: ἀνατάσσομαι

ἀνατάσσομαι; (1 aorist middle infinitive ἀνατάξασθαι); (middle of ἀνατάσσω) to put together in order, arrange, compose: διήγησιν, Luke 1:1 (so to construct (R. V. draw up) a narrative that the sequence of events may be evident. Found besides only in Plutarch, de sollert. anim. c. 12, where it denotes to go regularly through a thing again, rehearse it; (in Ecclesiastes 2:20 Ald., and in ecclesiastical writings e. g. Irenaeus 3, 21, 2 at the end)).

Topical Lexicon
Term Overview

This Greek verb describes the deliberate action of arranging material in an orderly sequence. It stresses methodical compilation rather than casual narration, highlighting careful structure, accuracy, and coherence.

Biblical Occurrence and Context

Luke 1:1 records its only New Testament use: “Many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us” (Berean Standard Bible). Luke introduces his Gospel by acknowledging previous attempts at writing, then pledges to produce an orderly narrative. The verb sets the tone for the entire work, signaling a consciously structured history of Jesus Christ.

Historical Background

First-century biographies and historical works prized orderly presentation. Writers such as Thucydides and Josephus arranged sources, eyewitness testimony, and archives to establish credibility. Luke, a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10; Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11), echoes this Greco-Roman literary ideal while remaining rooted in Hebrew prophetic tradition. His decision to arrange accounts affirms that Christianity is grounded in verifiable events, not myth or speculation.

Theological Significance

1. Reliability of Revelation

By promising an orderly record, Luke underscores divine faithfulness. The events “fulfilled among us” (Luke 1:1) are fulfillment of Old Testament promises (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2). An arranged account invites the reader to trace God’s covenant faithfulness from Abraham through Christ.

2. Role of Human Agency in Inspiration

Luke’s effort illustrates how God employs careful human research within the process of inspiration. “Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account” (Luke 1:3). The Spirit’s guidance does not bypass diligent scholarship but sanctifies it.

3. Apostolic Tradition and Catechesis

Luke addresses Theophilus “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). An orderly compilation serves catechetical purposes, providing a foundation for discipleship and doctrinal instruction (Acts 2:42).

Connection with Biblical Inspiration and Gospel Reliability

The verb implies that the Gospel writers were conscious historians. Luke’s systematic arrangement corroborates parallel testimonies (Matthew, Mark, John) and meshes with apostolic preaching recorded in Acts. The early church recognized such carefully structured works as authoritative Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16).

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

• Teaching: Bible teachers emulate Luke by presenting doctrine in coherent progression (Nehemiah 8:8; 1 Corinthians 14:40).
• Evangelism: Ordered presentations of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus validate the faith to outsiders (Luke 24:27; Acts 17:2-3).
• Discipleship: Structured materials (creeds, confessions, gospel harmonies) aid believers in grasping “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).
• Record-keeping: Church history, testimonies, and minutes should reflect integrity and clarity, mirroring Luke’s example.

Cross-References and Related Concepts

• Old Testament precedents: Moses arranging laws (Deuteronomy 31:24-26); Ezra’s compiled chronicles; genealogies in 1 Chronicles emphasize ordered remembrance.
• New Testament exhortations: “All things must be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Though a different Greek term, the principle parallels Luke’s method.
• Parallel narratives: Matthew 1 and Luke 3 genealogies show distinct but ordered aims—legal legitimacy through Joseph and biological lineage through Mary—demonstrating purposeful arrangement.

Applications for Teaching and Preaching

1. Present Gospel events in chronological blocks (incarnation, Galilean ministry, Passion Week) to mirror Luke’s orderly flow.
2. Encourage congregations to keep written testimonies of answered prayer, reinforcing God’s acts in their generation (Psalm 78:4).
3. Model sermons after Luke’s prologue: state purpose, establish credibility, and lead hearers to certainty in Christ.

Reflection on Redemptive History

The single New Testament use of this verb appears at the threshold of Luke’s Gospel, marking a pivotal moment when oral tradition transitioned into canonical Scripture. The Spirit-led resolve to “set in order” Christ’s life opened a literary doorway through which the Church would understand the unfolding plan of redemption “from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2) to the promised return (Acts 1:11).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 392 highlights the Spirit’s use of meticulous arrangement to convey inspired truth. Luke’s resolve to compile an ordered Gospel encourages believers to value accuracy, structure, and faith-building clarity in every aspect of ministry, confident that God’s mighty acts withstand the closest historical scrutiny while nurturing steadfast assurance in the hearts of disciples.

Forms and Transliterations
αναταξασθαι ανατάξασθαι ἀνατάξασθαι anataxasthai anatáxasthai
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 1:1 V-ANM
GRK: ΠΟΛΛΟΙ ἐπεχείρησαν ἀνατάξασθαι διήγησιν περὶ
NAS: have undertaken to compile an account
KJV: have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
INT: many have undertaken to draw up a narration concerning

Strong's Greek 392
1 Occurrence


ἀνατάξασθαι — 1 Occ.

391
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