Introduction: Historiography and the Greek Infinitive
The Gospel of Luke opens not with theology or miracle, but with a polished historiographical prologue. The evangelist uses elevated Greek to establish credibility and intent. Central to this literary self-positioning is the verb ἀνατάξασθαι {anatáxasthai}, an aorist middle infinitive meaning “to compile” or “to set in order.”
This infinitive isn’t just grammatical—it’s philosophical. It expresses authorial intent, independence, and scope. Luke signals that he is entering a field already worked by “many,” but his use of this rare verb sets him apart. In this article, we examine the form, force, and function of ἀνατάξασθαι in Luke 1:1.
Ἐπειδήπερ πολλοὶ ἐπεχείρησαν ἀνατάξασθαι διήγησιν περὶ τῶν πεπληροφορημένων ἐν ἡμῖν πραγμάτων,
Morphological Breakdown of ἀνατάξασθαι
- ἀνατάξασθαι {anatáxasthai} –
Root: ἀνατάσσω {anatássō};
Form: aorist middle infinitive;
Tense: aorist (undefined, complete action);
Voice: middle (reflexive or emphasizing personal involvement);
Usage: used with ἐπεχείρησαν to express the intended purpose of the action—“to set in order,” “to compile”;
Notes: The middle voice implies a personal or deliberate involvement by the subject in the compiling process.
Syntactical Analysis: Complementary Infinitive with Deliberative Force
The infinitive ἀνατάξασθαι complements the verb ἐπεχείρησαν (“many have undertaken”), forming a classic complementary infinitive construction: the main verb of attempt/effort is completed by an infinitive of purpose.
Its placement after πολλοὶ ἐπεχείρησαν makes it clear that this infinitive expresses what the “many” attempted to do. The middle voice adds subtlety—it’s not just compiling, but personally engaging in the act of literary arrangement, implying care, structure, and authorship.
Semantic and Theological Implications of the Infinitive
While at first glance ἀνατάξασθαι seems purely academic, it has strong theological implications:
– Purposeful order: The word hints at intentional arrangement—Luke is not simply recording stories; he is compiling διήγησιν (narrative) in structured fashion.
– Implied inspiration: Though Luke does not mention divine inspiration here, the reflexive middle voice hints at an inward motivation and perhaps Spirit-guided intention.
– Contrast with oral tradition: By using this term, Luke positions his gospel as a literary alternative to loose oral traditions, grounded in investigation and structure.
Literary or Discourse Significance
The rarity of ἀνατάξασθαι—not commonly used in Koine Greek—immediately elevates Luke’s prologue in tone and register. It signals to the educated Hellenistic reader that Luke is engaging in serious historiographical craft, comparable to classical authors like Thucydides or Polybius.
Discourse-wise, the infinitive:
– Frames Luke’s gospel as researched narrative, not folklore.
– Shows awareness of previous attempts, yet distinguishes his as more deliberate.
– Builds reader confidence through formality and clarity of purpose.
To Compile with Purpose: The Meaning of the Middle Infinitive
The aorist middle infinitive ἀνατάξασθαι is not merely a statement of action—it is a statement of identity. It reveals Luke’s self-understanding as historian, one who arranges, not just records; who compiles, not merely retells.
In a single word, Luke communicates literary method, personal investment, and narrative intent. His Gospel begins not in a manger, but in a library—setting the tone for what follows as both orderly and inspired.
