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G399 · Greek · New Testament
ἀναφέρω
Anapherō
Verb
To Offer Up, Bear Up, Lead Up

Definition

The Greek verb anapherō means to offer up (sacrifices), to bear or carry up, or to lead up. Occurring 10 times in the NT, it combines ana (up) with pherō (to bear, carry). It is used for offering sacrifices, for Christ bearing sins, and for physical ascent.

Usage & Theological Significance

Anapherō is the word used in Hebrews 7:27 for the high priest offering sacrifices and in 1 Peter 2:24 for Christ bearing sins on the cross: 'He himself bore (anēnenken) our sins in his body on the tree.' This is a sacrificial, priestly term — Christ is simultaneously the High Priest who offers and the Lamb who is offered. The word carries the motion of ascent: sin is lifted up and away. It fulfills every OT burnt offering (olah — the one that 'goes up').

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Hebrews 7:27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.
James 2:21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
Matthew 17:1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

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External Resources

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