ἀνατολή
anatolē
east
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀνατολή (anatolē, Strong's G0395) is defined as "east". It occurs 11 times in the Bible, demonstrating its significance in the Greek text. This word's primary meaning is directional, referring to the region of the earth where the sun rises. The range of usage for ἀνατολή is primarily geographical, used to describe locations or travel directions. In some occurrences, ἀνατερ has an implicit temporal significance as well, indicating morning or the dawn of a new day. The significance of ἀνατολή lies in its association with new origins, beginnings, or renewals. The context in which the word is used will determine its meaning, but generally, it represents the idea of emerging light or a fresh start.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
11 total occurrences across the text
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,
Matthew 2:2“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:9They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was.
Matthew 8:11I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven,
Matthew 24:27For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Mark 16:8They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid.
Luke 1:78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us,
Luke 13:29They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will sit down in God’s Kingdom.
Revelation 7:2I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea,
Revelation 16:12The sixth poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. Its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings that come from the sunrise.
Revelation 21:13On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.