The Greek verb anakámptō (ἀνακάμπτω) means to turn back, to return, or to go back the way one came. It involves a deliberate change of direction — a reversal of course.
Anakámptō appears in Matthew 2:12 where the Magi, warned in a dream, 'returned to their country by another route' rather than going back to Herod. Their obedient change of course protected the infant Jesus from Herod's murderous plot. This small act of divine guidance demonstrates God's providential protection of His Son through the obedience of unlikely Gentile worshipers. The Magi came seeking a king; they left having worshiped Him and having preserved His life. Their return by another way echoes the pattern of all who truly encounter Christ — they do not return the same way they came. Encounter with Jesus changes the route of life.