ἀνακύπτω

From the study of John 8:7

Range of meaning

To raise oneself up, straighten up from stooping; figuratively, to lift one's head (as in Luke 21:28).

Against the English

BSB has 'straightened up', KJV 'lifted up himself', YLT 'having bent himself back'. WEB's 'looked up' is weaker and loses the full movement of the body.

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 13:11 uses it of the bent-over woman who could not straighten up. It also appears in John 8:10, where Jesus straightens up again to speak to the woman.

From the study of John 8:10

Range of meaning

To straighten up from a stooped or bent position. Figuratively, to lift one’s head, to take heart or recover.

Against the English

BSB and NIV have “straightened up,” which is accurate. ESV, WEB and NLT have “stood up,” which suggests he had been seated. In fact he was bent over writing on the ground (he had sat down to teach, v. 2). KJV has “lifted up himself” and YLT “bent himself back.”

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 13:11, the woman bent over who “could not straighten up at all.” Luke 21:28, “straighten up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” Classical Greek uses it of emerging, coming up for air, or recovering.

From the study of Luke 13:11

Range of meaning

To raise oneself up, straighten the body, lift the head. Figuratively, it means to take heart, to look up in hope or confidence, or to recover after being bowed down by trouble or shame.

Against the English

KJV 'lift up herself' and YLT 'bend back' are literal. Modern 'stand up straight' and 'straighten up' are accurate. None of them can bring out the link with Luke 21:28, where the same verb is translated 'stand up' or 'straighten up'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 21:28: 'straighten up (anakypsate) and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.' John 8:7, 10: Jesus 'straightened up' from writing on the ground. In the Greek of Job 10:15, Job says, in effect, that even if he is in the right he cannot lift up his head. There the word is a figure for shame and dishonour (this reading of the Septuagint is likely but should be checked).