Lexical Summary anóteros: Higher, upper Original Word: ἀνώτερος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance above, higher. Comparative degree of ano; upper, i.e. (neuter as adverb) to a more conspicuous place, in a former part of the book -- above, higher. see GREEK ano NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincptv. of anó Definition higher NASB Translation above (1), higher (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 511: ἀνώτεροςἀνώτερος, ἀνωτερα, ἀνώτερον (comparitive from ἄνω, cf. κατώτερος, see Winers Grammar, § 11, 2 c.; (Buttmann, 28 (24f))), higher. The neuter ἀνώτερον as adverb, higher; a. of motion, to a higher place, (up higher): Luke 14:10. b. of rest, in a higher place, above i. e. in the immediately preceding part of the passage quoted, Hob. 10:8. Similarly Polybius 3, 1, 1 τρίτῃ ἀνώτερον βίβλῳ. (In Leviticus 11:21, with a genitive.) The term expresses the idea of a position “higher,” “upper,” or “above,” whether in spatial relations (a literal elevation) or in literary sequence (a statement that has already been made). In Scripture it therefore carries both physical and logical nuances, calling attention either to an exalted place or to a prior remark that governs what follows. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 14:10 – spatial elevation within a banquet setting: “…‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests”. Social and Historical Background • First-century banquets were rigidly arranged by status. Seating closer to the host signaled honor; lower places implied lesser rank. Jesus’ directive to choose the lowest place subverts the culture’s fixation on status. Theological Themes 1. Humility and Divine Exaltation 2. Supremacy of Christ’s Sacrifice Ministry Implications • Leadership ethos: Pastors and ministry workers are called to take the lesser seat, allowing God to assign visible honor (Mark 10:43-44). Related Biblical Principles • God opposes pride but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:5). Summary Whether signaling a higher seat at a feast or an earlier statement in sacred text, the word underscores two enduring truths: God elevates the humble, and Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice stands “above” every prior offering. Recognizing these truths shapes both personal character and corporate worship, directing all honor upward to the One who alone bestows it. Englishman's Concordance Luke 14:10 Adj-ANSGRK: Φίλε προσανάβηθι ἀνώτερον τότε ἔσται NAS: move up higher; then KJV: Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou INT: Friend come up higher Then will be Hebrews 10:8 Adj-ANS |