ἀντιλαμβάνω (antilambanō)
antilambanō
to help
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb antilambanō means to come alongside and provide help, carrying the sense of taking hold of something to support it. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, yet each instance highlights God’s active intervention in human weakness. It is not a distant assistance but a hands-on engagement with those in need.
In Luke 1:54, the Magnificat describes how God has helped Israel, reflecting His covenant faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. Similarly, Acts 20:35 quotes Jesus’ teaching that one should help the weak, linking this action to remembering the Lord’s own words about giving. These usages show a pattern of divine or moral support rooted in relationship.
The word combines anti- ("against" or "in place of") with lambanō ("to take"). This structure suggests taking hold of someone or something to bear their burden. In 1 Timothy 6:2, it shifts slightly to mean sharing in the benefits of service, perhaps indicating mutual participation in ministry. The core idea remains consistent: God and believers are called to actively support others through tangible help.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antilambanō paints a vivid picture of God’s care. It does not mean offering distant advice or sending a check from afar. Instead, it describes someone stepping in to take hold of a burden so the other person does not have to carry it alone. When we read that God helped Israel in Luke 1:54, we see this active, hands-on support. He did not just promise relief; He acted to sustain His people when they were weak.
This same spirit calls us to serve others. In Acts 20:35, Jesus reminds us that laboring to help the weak is a blessed path. It is not about feeling superior because you can give, but about recognizing our shared need for grace. Whether it is God supporting His children or believers supporting one another, this help is tangible and real.
Even in 1 Timothy 6:2, we see how this service creates bonds of love within the church. It reminds us that no one serves alone. We are part of a community where strength is shared and burdens are lightened together. This kind of help reflects the heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to aid1×
- being helped.1×
- He has helped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι1×
- ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι.¶1×
- ἀντελάβετο1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:54
He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
This verse highlights God's covenant faithfulness by showing He actively intervened to support Israel in their time of need.
-
Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Here the word connects physical labor with spiritual care, urging believers to actively support the weak just as Jesus did.
-
I Timothy 6:2
Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
This occurrence expands the meaning to include mutual participation in ministry, showing how service strengthens relationships among believers.