Greek word · G324

ἀναδέχομαι

anadechomai

to receive

To take up, accept, receive. Often it means receiving warmly and welcoming as a guest. It can also mean taking on a responsibility, such as guaranteeing a debt.

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ἀνα-δέχομαι

[in LXX: 2Ma.6:19 2Mac 8:36 * ;]

1. to assume, undertake (in π. frequently as legal term: MM, VGT, see word): ἐπαγγελίας, Hebrews 11:17.

2. = cl. ὑποδέχομαι, to receive: of guests, Acts 28:7.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Hebrews 11:17

Range of meaning

To take up, accept, receive. Often it means receiving warmly and welcoming as a guest. It can also mean taking on a responsibility, such as guaranteeing a debt.

Against the English

KJV/ESV/BSB 'received' is accurate but flat. WEB's 'gladly received' and NIV's 'embraced' catch the note of welcome.

Used elsewhere in the period

The only other New Testament use is Acts 28:7, where Publius 'welcomed us and entertained us hospitably'. In papyri and inscriptions it is used for undertaking an obligation or guaranteeing something.

From the study of Acts 28:7

Range of meaning

To take up or take on: to accept a responsibility or an obligation, to receive something promised (Heb 11:17), or to receive guests and take them under your care.

Against the English

"Received" (KJV, WEB, YLT, ESV) is accurate but flat. "Welcomed" (BSB, NASB, NLT, NIV) gets the warmth across. Neither fully brings out the idea of taking on responsibility for the guests.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used in papyri and inscriptions for taking on obligations or guaranteeing someone. In 2 Macc 6:19 it is used of willingly accepting a hard choice. It appears in the New Testament only here and at Heb 11:17.

Where it appears

Acts · 1

  1. Acts 28:7 ἀναδεξάμενος having received

    Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

    Here: "Having welcomed / taken us in". The verb carries the idea of taking responsibility for guests, with an active, willing reception. It is more than letting them through the door.

Hebrews · 1

  1. Hebrews 11:17 ἀναδεξάμενος, having received,

    By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son,

    Here: "Having welcomed": more than passively getting something. The word means to accept and embrace, even to take responsibility for. The man who had embraced God's promises is the one now holding the knife over their only channel.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.