The Greek word análēpsis (ἀνάληψις) means a taking up, receiving up, or ascension. It appears once in Luke 9:51 to describe the approaching time of Jesus's ascension into heaven — the culmination of His earthly ministry.
Luke 9:51 is a hinge-verse in his Gospel: 'As the time approached for him to be taken up (análēpsis), Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.' From this point, everything in Luke's Gospel moves toward the cross, resurrection, and ascension. The ascension is not an afterthought — it is the goal. Jesus's session at the right hand of the Father is the position from which He intercedes, sends the Spirit, and exercises universal authority (Matthew 28:18). The ascension means the incarnate, risen Christ is now enthroned, and His people's 'citizenship is in heaven' (Philippians 3:20). We live between Pentecost and His return, in the power of His ascended Lordship.