ἀγκάλη – Pronunciation Guide: ang-kal’-ay (emphasis on the second syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G43: The curved or bent arm, specifically referring to the inner bend of the arm used for carrying or embracing; in biblical usage, it particularly denotes the loving embrace used to hold infants or children, conveying both physical support and emotional nurture.
Word Study
- Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
- Root: From ἄγκος (ankos), meaning “a bend”
Morphology:
- ἀγκάλη (nominative singular) – the arm/embrace
- ἀγκάλαι (nominative plural) – arms/embraces
- ἀγκάλαις (dative plural) – in/with arms/embraces
Word Origin & History
The term ἀγκάλη emerges from ancient Greek anatomical vocabulary, where it originally described the curved inner portion of the arm. In classical Greek literature, Homer uses related terms to describe warriors carrying shields in the bend of their arms, highlighting its basic meaning of a carrying capacity.
This word evolved from a purely anatomical description to take on more nurturing connotations, particularly in Hellenistic literature where it became associated with maternal care and the protective embrace of children.
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἀγκάλη appears notably in Luke 2:28, where Simeon takes the infant Jesus “in his arms.” This usage is particularly significant as it represents the moment when Simeon, who had been waiting to see the Messiah, physically embraces the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Key Passages:
- Luke 2:28 – Simeon taking Jesus in his arms
- Mark 9:36 – Jesus taking a child in His arms (related concept)
- Mark 10:16 – Jesus embracing children (related concept)
Cultural Insights
In ancient Near Eastern culture, taking someone into one’s arms was a gesture of acceptance and blessing. This was particularly significant in the context of children, where the act of embracing a child was often associated with formal recognition and the bestowing of inheritance rights.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀγκάλη in Luke’s gospel carries profound theological implications. Simeon’s embrace of the infant Jesus symbolizes the meeting point between divine promise and human faith. This physical embrace becomes a powerful metaphor for how God allows Himself to be approached and “embraced” by human faith.
The word also reflects the intimate, personal nature of God’s relationship with His people, often depicted in Scripture through physical metaphors of holding, carrying, and embracing (Isaiah 40:11).
Personal Application
When we consider ἀγκάλη, we’re reminded that our relationship with God isn’t meant to be distant or purely intellectual. Just as a parent’s embrace provides both security and comfort to a child, our heavenly Father offers us His divine embrace through the gift of His Son and the presence of His Spirit.
Related Words
- ἐναγκαλίζομαι (enagkalizomai) – to take in one’s arms – See G1723
- κόλπος (kolpos) – bosom, chest – See G2859
- βαστάζω (bastazō) – to lift, carry – See G941
Did you Know?
- The word ἀγκάλη is still used in modern Greek to describe cradling or holding something precious
- Ancient Greek medical texts used ἀγκάλη when describing how to properly hold and examine infants
- The term influenced Latin ‘ancilla’ (handmaid), highlighting its connection to care and service
Remember This
The arms that held the infant Messiah remind us that divine love takes tangible form in human embrace.
