λαγχάνω

From the study of John 19:24

Range of meaning

To obtain or receive something by lot or by divine allotment; to have something fall to one as a share. In some contexts it means to cast lots for something.

Against the English

English versions turn it into 'cast lots for it' (KJV, BSB, ESV), which is fine. The Greek verb itself means 'get by lot'. The soldiers are proposing that chance assigns ownership, not playing a game for fun. The NLT's 'throw dice' is plausible as a method but narrows the idea.

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 1:9: Zechariah 'was chosen by lot' to burn incense. Acts 1:17: Judas 'received his share' in the ministry. 2 Peter 1:1: those who have 'obtained' a faith of equal standing. In classical Greek it is common for receiving an office or portion by lot.

From the study of 2 Peter 1:1

Range of meaning

To obtain by lot. More broadly, to receive a share or portion by assignment or by divine apportionment, as opposed to earning or seizing it.

Against the English

'Obtained' (KJV, ESV, WEB) can sound in modern English like acquiring something by effort. 'Received' (BSB, NIV, NASB) is closer. The lot-casting picture (an allotment handed out) disappears in all of them.

How it drifted

'Obtain' once often meant simply 'come into possession of'. Today it usually suggests effort ('obtain a permit').

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 1:9: Zechariah 'was chosen by lot' to offer incense. Acts 1:17: Judas 'received his share' (elachen ton klēron) in the apostles' ministry. John 19:24: the soldiers cast lots. In Greek writers generally it is used of what one is allotted by fate or the gods. The Vulgate here translates it sortiti sunt, 'they obtained by lot'.

From the study of Luke 1:9

Range of meaning

(1) To obtain by lot, to have something fall to one by lot; (2) more broadly, to receive as one's portion or share, often with a sense of divine allotment; (3) rarely, to cast lots (John 19:24). In classical and Koine Greek the thing obtained is often put in the genitive, which is what we have here (tou thymiasai, 'the [office] of burning incense').

Against the English

BSB/NIV/ESV/NASB: 'was chosen by lot'. This is accurate, but it makes the verb passive and puts the lot as the thing doing the choosing. KJV/WEB/YLT 'his lot was' keeps the Greek idea of a portion falling to someone, but modern readers may hear 'one's lot in life' (fate, circumstances).

How it drifted

In modern English 'lot' and 'lottery' suggest chance. In Israel, casting lots was a recognised way of leaving a decision to God (Lev 16:8; Num 26:55; Josh 18:6; 1 Chr 24:5, 31; Prov 16:33; Acts 1:26).

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament the related noun klēros (lot, portion) is used for the allotment of the land and the Levites' 'portion'. 1 Chronicles 24:5, 31 describes the priestly courses themselves being set up by lot. Acts 1:17 uses lanchanō for Judas 'receiving his share' of the apostolic ministry, and 2 Peter 1:1 for those who 'have obtained' faith, both with the sense of an allotted gift. Mishnah Yoma 2:1–4 and Tamid 3:1; 5:2 describe the daily priestly lots (payis) for temple tasks.