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G508 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνώγεον
Anogeon
Noun neuter
upper room / upper story / upstairs room

Definition

Anogeon (ἀνώγεον) refers to an upstairs room or upper story of a house — the kind of private, elevated space used for important gatherings. In first-century Judean homes, the upper room was often a larger, more formal room used for private meals, prayer, and significant events, distinct from the ground-floor living area.

Usage & Theological Significance

The word appears in the Gospels in two decisive contexts. The disciples are directed to a 'large upper room' (anogeon mega) to prepare the Passover — the setting for the Last Supper (Mark 14:15; Luke 22:12). After the resurrection, the disciples gather in 'the upper room' (Acts 1:13 — hyperoon, a related term) where they wait for the promised Spirit. The upper room thus becomes the birthplace of the New Covenant meal (Last Supper), the post-resurrection community of prayer, and the site of Pentecost's preparation. Every Lord's Supper observed today echoes this anogeon.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 14:15 And he will show you a large upper room (anogeon mega) furnished and ready; prepare it for us there.
Luke 22:12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.
Acts 1:13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room (hyperoon), where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew...
Acts 20:8 There were many lamps in the upper room (hyperoon) where we were gathered.
1 Corinthians 11:25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'

Word Study

The anogeon — upper room — is one of the most sacred spaces in Christian memory. It is where Jesus transformed the Passover into the Lord's Supper, where He washed the disciples' feet, where He promised the Paraclete, where He prayed His high-priestly prayer. To meet in an 'upper room' is to follow in the footsteps of the first disciples who gathered there to wait, pray, remember, and receive the Spirit.

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