Lexical Summary anadechomai: To receive, to accept, to undertake Original Word: ἀναδέχομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance receive, welcome.From ana and dechomai; to entertain (as a guest) -- receive. see GREEK ana see GREEK dechomai HELPS Word-studies 324 anadéxomai (from 303 /aná, "up, completing a process" intensifying 1209 /déxomai, "to welcome/receive") – properly, receive up to the limit (maximum); (figuratively) to welcome with gladness (openness), i.e. full, personal interest (open-heartedly, enthusiastically). [The high self-involvement (personal interest) motivating 324 (anadéxomai) accounts for why it is in the Greek middle voice on both of its occasions in the NT (Ac 28:7; Heb 11:17).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and dechomai Definition to undertake, receive NASB Translation received (1), welcomed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 324: ἀναδέχομαιἀναδέχομαι: 1 aorist ἀνεδεξάμην; from Homer down; to take up, take upon oneself, undertake, assume; hence, to receive, entertain anyone hospitably: Acts 28:7; to entertain in one's mind: τάς ἐπαγγελίας, i. e. to embrace them with faith, Hebrews 11:17. Topical Lexicon Concept of Deliberate ReceptionAnadechomai expresses more than casual acceptance; it portrays taking something or someone up with conscious acknowledgment, assuming responsibility for the one received. Whether it is a guest, a promise, or a divine assignment, the verb underscores a willing embrace that entails action and stewardship. Occurrences in Scripture • Acts 28:7 – Publius, the leading man of Malta, “welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days”. Historical Setting Acts situates the word in a Mediterranean honor-and-shame culture in which hospitality functioned as a moral duty. Publius’ reception of shipwrecked strangers risked resources and reputation, yet it opened his household to miraculous healing and the gospel. Hebrews recalls patriarchal times, portraying Abraham as the archetype of covenant faith. His “receiving” of the promises occurred decades before Mount Moriah, yet the verb in verse 17 reaches back to that earlier acceptance, linking initial reception to later obedience. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Continuity Reception of God’s promises (Abraham) and reception of God’s messengers (Publius toward Paul) both serve the unfolding redemptive plan. The word thus ties individual acts to the broader covenant narrative. 2. Faith Expressed in Action Scripture never isolates belief from behavior. Abraham’s prior embrace of the promises empowered radical obedience. Publius’ hospitality became the platform for divine healing and evangelism. 3. Divine Reciprocity Those who receive God or His servants are, in turn, blessed (compare Genesis 12:3; Matthew 10:40). Acts 28 shows the immediate benefit (healing of Publius’ father and widespread favor), while Hebrews 11 points to eschatological reward. Practical Ministry Implications • Hospitality as Mission: Welcoming strangers can advance the gospel in unexpected ways. Churches that “take up” travelers, refugees, or itinerant ministers model Publius’ stance and often witness spiritual breakthrough. • Stewardship of Promises: Like Abraham, believers must treat God’s words as possessions to be guarded and acted upon, even when obedience appears costly. • Leadership Responsibility: Both Publius (a civic leader) and Abraham (a patriarch) illustrate that reception carries influence over households and communities. Christian leaders today are called to receive God’s directives and God’s people on behalf of others. Related Themes Reception – Luke 8:13; John 1:12 Hospitality – Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9 Faith and Obedience – James 2:21-23 Promises of God – 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:4 Summary Anadechomai highlights the decisive act of receiving that obligates the recipient to faithful response. Whether embracing divine promises or opening one’s home to God’s servants, the word underscores the inseparable link between welcoming and walking in God’s purposes. Forms and Transliterations αναδεξαμενος αναδεξάμενος ἀναδεξάμενος anadexamenos anadexámenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 28:7 V-APM-NMSGRK: Ποπλίῳ ὃς ἀναδεξάμενος ἡμᾶς ἡμέρας NAS: who welcomed us and entertained KJV: who received us, INT: Publius who having received us days Hebrews 11:17 V-APM-NMS |
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