2975. lagchanó

Lexicon

lagchanó: to obtain by lot, to receive, to be allotted

Original Word: λαγχάνω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: lagchanó
Pronunciation: lahg-KHAN-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (lang-khan'-o)
Definition: to obtain by lot, to receive, to be allotted
Meaning: (a) I obtain (receive) by lot, my lot (turn) is, (b) I draw lots.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

his lot be, cast lots, obtain.

A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is only used as an alternate in certain tenses; to lot, i.e. Determine (by implication, receive) especially by lot -- his lot be, cast lots, obtain.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from a prim. root lach-
Definition
to obtain by lot
NASB Translation
cast lots (1), chosen by lot (1), received (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2975: λαγχάνω

λαγχάνω: 2 aorist ἔλαχον;

1. to obtain by lot (from Homer down): with the genitive of the thing, Luke 1:9 (cf. Buttmann, 269 (231); Winers Grammar, 319 (299)); to receive by divine allotment, obtain: τί, Acts 1:17; 2 Peter 1:1; on the construction of this verb with the genitive and accusative of the thing, see Matthiae, § 328; Winers Grammar, 200 (188); (cf. Buttmann, § 132, 8).

2. to cast lots, determine by lot (Isocrates, p. 144 b.; Diodorus 4, 63 (cf. ps.-Demosthenes in middle, p. 510, 26)): περί τίνος, John 19:24.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primary verb, likely related to the base of λαμβάνω (lambanō, Strong's 2983), meaning "to take" or "to receive."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 1486 (גּוֹרָל, goral): This Hebrew term is often translated as "lot" and is used in the Old Testament to describe the practice of casting lots for decision-making or dividing land and responsibilities. It shares a similar conceptual background with λαγχάνω, emphasizing divine involvement in the allocation process.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Greek verb λαγχάνω, highlighting its significance in the New Testament and its connection to the broader biblical tradition of casting lots as a means of discerning divine will.

Usage: The verb λαγχάνω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of receiving something by lot or divine allotment. It implies a distribution or assignment that is not by human decision but by a form of divine or random selection.

Context: • Contextual Overview: In the ancient world, casting lots was a common practice for making decisions or determining divine will. The term λαγχάνω reflects this practice, emphasizing the idea of receiving something not through personal effort or merit but through a process that is perceived as guided by divine providence.
• New Testament Occurrences: The verb appears in several key passages:
• Acts 1:17: "He was one of our number and shared in this ministry." Here, λαγχάνω is used to describe Judas Iscariot's share in the apostolic ministry, indicating that his role was part of a divine allotment.
• Acts 1:26: "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." This passage illustrates the use of casting lots to determine God's choice for the replacement of Judas, with λαγχάνω highlighting the divine selection of Matthias.
• Theological Implications: The use of λαγχάνω underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and providence in the distribution of roles and responsibilities within the early Christian community. It reflects a trust in divine guidance over human affairs, particularly in matters of leadership and ministry.
• Cultural and Historical Background: Casting lots was a widespread practice in Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures for decision-making. It was seen as a way to allow the divine will to manifest in human affairs, often used in religious, civic, and personal contexts.

Forms and Transliterations

ελαχε έλαχε ἔλαχε ελαχεν έλαχεν ἔλαχεν λαχούσι λαχουσιν λαχοῦσιν λαχωμεν λάχωμεν elache élache elachen élachen lachomen lachōmen láchomen láchōmen lachousin lachoûsin

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 1:9 V-AIA-3S
GRK: τῆς ἱερατείας ἔλαχε τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι
NAS: of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter
KJV: of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense
INT: of the priesthood it fell to him by lot to burn incense

John 19:24 V-ASA-1P
GRK: αὐτόν ἀλλὰ λάχωμεν περὶ αὐτοῦ
NAS: Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, [to decide] whose
KJV: it, but cast lots for it,
INT: it but let us cast lots for it

Acts 1:17 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ἡμῖν καὶ ἔλαχεν τὸν κλῆρον
NAS: among us and received his share
KJV: us, and had obtained part of this
INT: us and obtained a part

2 Peter 1:1 V-APA-DMP
GRK: ἰσότιμον ἡμῖν λαχοῦσιν πίστιν ἐν
NAS: To those who have received a faith
KJV: Christ, to them that have obtained like precious
INT: equally precious with us having obtained faith through

Strong's Greek 2975
4 Occurrences

ἔλαχε — 1 Occ.
ἔλαχεν — 1 Occ.
λάχωμεν — 1 Occ.
λαχοῦσιν — 1 Occ.