ὑπολαμβάνω

From the study of Acts 1:9

Range of meaning

Literally 'take up from underneath'. BDAG lists (1) to take up or carry off, (2) to receive or welcome someone as a guest (3 John 8), (3) to take up the conversation, i.e. reply (Luke 10:30), (4) to assume or suppose (Luke 7:43; Acts 2:15). Here sense (1) or (2) applies.

Against the English

KJV, WEB, YLT and NASB say 'received', and ESV says 'took'. Both keep the action. BSB and NIV say 'hid', which gives the visual effect and drops the idea that the cloud actively took him in.

How it drifted

Not a drift in the English word itself. It is an interpretive choice by some modern versions that turns the cloud into a veil.

Used elsewhere in the period

In classical and Hellenistic Greek the verb is used of water or a ship taking someone up, and of hosts receiving guests. Herodotus 1.24 has a dolphin taking up Arion. In the Septuagint it can mean to take up or to answer (e.g. Job 2:4 and often for 'answered' in Job).

From the study of 3 John 1:8

Range of meaning

Literally 'take up from underneath'. Its uses: (1) to lift or carry up (Acts 1:9, a cloud 'took him up'); (2) to take up a conversation, i.e. to reply (Luke 10:30); (3) to take up an opinion, i.e. to suppose (Luke 7:43; Acts 2:15); (4) to receive someone hospitably and support them. BDAG lists this last sense for 3 John 8.

Against the English

KJV, WEB and YLT have 'receive', which a modern reader may hear as simply 'welcome' or 'accept'. BSB and ESV have 'support', which brings out the material side but loses the picture of taking people under one's roof. NIV's 'show hospitality to' keeps the guest picture but can sound like dinner only. The Greek covers both: taking people in, and backing them as they go on.

How it drifted

English 'receive' has come to mean acceptance in general, even mental assent ('receive the message'). That can hide the concrete costs of lodging, meals and travel provisions.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical and Hellenistic Greek uses the verb for receiving and supporting guests or dependants. In the NT this verse is the only case of the hospitality sense. The context pins the meaning down: v. 6 uses propempō, 'send on their way'. In early Christian usage that was close to a technical term for equipping travelling preachers with food, money and companions (compare Rom 15:24; 1 Cor 16:6, 11; Titus 3:13).

From the study of Luke 7:43

Range of meaning

Literally 'to take up from under'. It came to mean (1) to take up or carry off (Acts 1:9, the cloud 'took him up'), (2) to receive someone as a guest (3 John 8), (3) to take up the conversation, reply (Luke 10:30), and (4) to assume, suppose, or think (Acts 2:15, 'as you suppose'). Here it has sense 4.

Against the English

Nearly every version says 'I suppose'. In modern English 'I suppose…' often sounds grudging or half-hearted, as in 'I suppose so'. The Greek word does not have to carry that tone. It means 'I take it / I would say', giving an opinion one has formed.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical and Hellenistic writers use it often for 'to assume, to hold an opinion'. The Greek Old Testament of Job uses ὑπολαβών ('taking up [the conversation]') again and again to introduce the speeches of Job's friends (e.g. Job 4:1; 8:1). Luke knows both senses: 'reply' in Luke 10:30 and 'suppose' in Acts 2:15.