ἀναδέχομαι (anadechomai)
anadechomai
to receive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anadechomai carries the dual sense of undertaking a responsibility and receiving someone with hospitality. Its components suggest taking something up or assuming a burden, which explains its use in legal or formal contexts where one accepts an obligation. In Hebrews 11:17, it describes Abraham’s willingness to accept the promise regarding Isaac, highlighting a conscious assumption of a divine commitment rather than passive reception.
In Acts 28:7, the word shifts to social interaction, describing Publius receiving Paul and his companions with kindness. Here, it aligns with the classical meaning of entertaining guests hospitably. This usage underscores a warm, active welcome that involves taking care of others, blending the ideas of acceptance and service into a single action.
Though rare in Scripture, appearing only twice, the word bridges the gap between duty and generosity. It captures moments where faith requires both accepting a call and extending care to those in need, reflecting a holistic approach to Christian living that values both commitment and kindness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anadechomai invites us to see receiving not as a passive act, but as an active embrace of responsibility and hospitality. In Hebrews 11:17, Abraham is described as having received the promises with gladness before being asked to offer Isaac. This shows that true faith involves holding onto God's commitments with joy, even when they seem difficult or costly later on.
We see a different side of this word in Acts 28:7, where Publius receives Paul and his companions with kindness. Here, the focus shifts to welcoming others into our lives and homes. It suggests that Christian living balances two things: trusting God with His promises and caring for those who come into our sphere. Both require an open heart and a willingness to take on the burden of love.
When we face uncertain times, remember that God calls us to receive His grace actively. We can trust Him with our future while also extending warmth to those around us. This balance helps us live out our faith in practical, meaningful ways every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having received,1×
- having received1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναδεξάμενος,1×
- ἀναδεξάμενος1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 11:17
By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his only born son,
This verse highlights Abraham's joyful acceptance of God's promises as a prerequisite for his ultimate test of faith.
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Acts 28:7
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and courteously entertained us for three days.
Publius uses this term to describe his active hospitality toward Paul, showing how the word applies to welcoming strangers with care.