Lexical Summary lagchanó: to obtain by lot, to receive, to be allotted Original Word: λαγχάνω 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 Originfrom 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: λαγχάνωλαγχάνω: 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. Strong’s Greek 2975 (λαγχάνω) consistently carries the picture of receiving something that has been apportioned, most often by lot. Behind the outward mechanism of “chance” the New Testament writers see the hidden hand of God guiding outcomes for His purposes, whether in priestly service, apostolic office, prophetic fulfillment, or saving faith. Usage in the Gospel Narrative: Priestly Service (Luke 1:9) Luke 1:9 describes how Zechariah “was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense”. Though the lot outwardly selected one among thousands of priests, Scripture portrays the moment as God’s providential arrangement to announce John the Baptist’s birth at the precise hour of prayer. Λαγχάνω underscores the conviction that ministry assignments, even seemingly routine ones, are ultimately God-given. Apostolic Ministry and Responsibility (Acts 1:17) Peter explains Judas Iscariot’s former role: “He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry”. Judas’ share (λαγχάνω) in the apostolic circle was not accidental; divine wisdom had apportioned it, yet human betrayal did not thwart God’s plan. The text balances sobriety—responsibility can be forfeited—with confidence that divine purposes stand. Messianic Fulfillment and Prophetic Certainty (John 19:24) As the soldiers parted Jesus’ garments, they said, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be.” John immediately adds, “This happened so that the Scripture might be fulfilled: ‘They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.’” Here λαγχάνω links the casual gambling of Roman soldiers to Psalm 22:18, reinforcing that even the smallest acts surrounding the Crucifixion fulfill prophecy. Soteriological Riches Shared with Believers (2 Peter 1:1) “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours”. Peter chooses λαγχάνω to describe believers’ reception of saving faith. The metaphor of an allotted inheritance elevates faith from mere human decision to a gracious portion granted by God, equal in value to that of the apostles themselves. Historical Background: Casting Lots in Scripture 1. Allocation of land—Joshua 14–19. Throughout, lots function as a transparent means of discerning God’s will while preventing human favoritism (Proverbs 16:33). Theological Themes • Providence: What appears random is directed by God for redemptive ends. Pastoral and Personal Application • Service Opportunities: Accept ministry assignments, great or small, as divinely appointed. Related Terms and Concepts κληρονομία (inheritance), κλῆρος (lot), προορίζω (to predestine), μερίζω (to apportion). Together they weave a scriptural tapestry of God distributing gifts, callings, and eternal life according to His wisdom. Concluding Insight Λαγχάνω offers a thread tying together priestly worship, apostolic history, messianic prophecy, and personal salvation. Each occurrence encourages believers to see their “lot” not as chance but as a purposeful share in God’s unfolding plan, secured by the righteousness of Jesus Christ and directed toward His glory. Englishman's Concordance Luke 1:9 V-AIA-3SGRK: 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 Acts 1:17 V-AIA-3S 2 Peter 1:1 V-APA-DMP Strong's Greek 2975 |
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