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G424 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνέρχομαι
Anerchomai
Verb
To Go Up, Ascend

Definition

The Greek verb anerchomai means to go up or ascend. Occurring only twice in the NT (John 6:3; Galatians 1:17), it describes Jesus going up a mountainside and Paul going up to Jerusalem (or Arabia). It combines ana (up) with erchomai (to come/go).

Usage & Theological Significance

While anerchomai occurs only twice, it reflects the important biblical pattern of ascent: going up to mountains (where God meets His people), going up to Jerusalem (the holy city), and the ultimate ascent — Christ's ascension. Paul's mention of going to Arabia and then Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17) shows his deliberate independence from human authority in receiving the gospel — he received it by direct divine revelation. Ascent in Scripture is often movement toward God, toward truth, toward commission.

Key Bible Verses

John 6:3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.
Galatians 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
Luke 24:51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Acts 1:9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
John 20:17 Jesus said, 'Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.'

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External Resources

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