Lexical Summary anó: Above, upward, on high Original Word: ἄνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance above, high, up. Adverb from anti; upward or on the top -- above, brim, high, up. see GREEK anti NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from ana Definition up, above NASB Translation above (5), brim (1), upward (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 507: ἄνωἄνω, adverb (from Homer down); a. above, in a higher place, (opposed to κάτω): Acts 2:19; with the article, ὁ, ἡ, τό ἄνω: Galatians 4:26 (ἡ ἄνω ἱεροσαλημ the upper i. e. the heavenly Jerusalem); Philippians 3:14 (ἡ ἄνω κλῆσις the calling made in heaven, equivalent to ἐπουράνιος, Hebrews 3:1); the neuter plural τά ἄνω as a substantive, heavenly things, Colossians 3:1f; ἐκ τῶν ἄνω from heaven, John 8:23. ἕως ἄνω, John 2:7 (up to the brim). b. upward, up, on high: John 11:41 (αἴρω); Hebrews 12:15 (ἄνω φύει). Strong’s Greek 507 captures the adverb of place “above,” “up,” or “upward.” Its nine appearances trace a single thread: the call of God that directs eyes, hearts, and hopes toward the realm where He reigns. Whether describing water filled “up” to the brim, eyes lifted “upward” in prayer, or the heavenly Jerusalem that is “above,” the word consistently contrasts the higher domain of God with the lower sphere of fallen earth. Survey of New Testament Occurrences • John 2:7 – The servants “filled them to the brim,” underscoring complete obedience that reaches the level Jesus requires. Christological Focus The occurrences in John concentrate the term in Christ’s ministry. Jesus identifies Himself as the One “from above,” thereby authenticating His teaching (John 8:23). His upward gaze before raising Lazarus (John 11:41) models dependence on the Father. The miracle at Cana (John 2:7) displays His sovereign mastery as the true Bridegroom who supplies overflowing joy. In each scene, heaven’s authority intersects earth’s need. Redemptive-Historical Significance Acts 2:19 locates the dawn of the last days in signs “above,” marking the transition from promise to fulfillment. Galatians 4:26 then clarifies covenant identity: believers already belong to the eschatological city. Hebrews 12:22 later elaborates on that same city, showing continuity between present worship and future consummation. Ethical and Pastoral Implications 1. Upward Orientation – Philippians 3:14 and Colossians 3:1-2 direct believers to shape ambition, affections, and imagination by the realities of the throne room. Historical Reception Early church fathers (e.g., Chrysostom on Colossians) urged congregations to maintain an “upward mind.” Medieval commentators linked the “Jerusalem above” to the church triumphant, while Reformers emphasized the freedom of grace over earthly ritual. In evangelical preaching, Philippians 3:14 became a rallying cry for missionary zeal, stressing that the upward call propels outward mission. Ministry Application • Worship: Frame services to lift congregational gaze “above,” integrating prayers and songs that reflect the heavenly throne. Conclusion Strong’s 507 whispers the same message wherever it appears: redemption draws the believer upward—toward Christ, toward the heavenly city, toward a life governed by realities “above.” To heed that call is to find freedom, purpose, and sustaining hope until faith becomes sight. Englishman's Concordance John 2:7 AdvGRK: αὐτὰς ἕως ἄνω NAS: So they filled them up to the brim. KJV: up to the brim. INT: them unto [the] brim John 8:23 Adv John 11:41 Adv Acts 2:19 Adv Galatians 4:26 Adv Philippians 3:14 Adv Colossians 3:1 Adv Colossians 3:2 Adv Hebrews 12:15 Adv |
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