"trans. to open, Mt. 2:11; intrans. to be opened, to be open, Mt. 3:16; Jn. 1:52"
Definition and meaning
trans. to open, Mt. 2:11; intrans. to be opened, to be open, Mt. 3:16; Jn. 1:52
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀνοίγω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of anoigo (G455) across the King James Bible.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
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Common questions
Strong's G455 (anoigo) is a Greek word that means: trans. to open, Mt. 2:11; intrans. to be opened, to be open, Mt. 3:16; Jn. 1:52 It appears 75 times in the King James Bible.
The word anoigo (G455) appears 75 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G455 is anoigo, a Greek word defined as: trans. to open, Mt. 2:11; intrans. to be opened, to be open, Mt. 3:16; Jn. 1:52. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
anoigo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.