Literally 'from above' — but also 'from the beginning' or 'again.' This double meaning creates the famous ambiguity in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:3): born 'again' or born 'from above'? Both meanings are theologically intended.
The Nicodemus dialogue hinges on anōthen. Nicodemus hears 'again' (how can a man re-enter the womb?), but Jesus means 'from above' — spiritual rebirth originates not from human effort but from God's initiative. James 1:17 says every good gift comes 'from above' (anōthen). The word insists that salvation is a top-down gift, not a bottom-up achievement.