ἀντίληψις (antilēpsis)
antilēpsis
help
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun antilēpsis translates simply to "help" or "aid," yet it carries a specific sense of active intervention. Derived from the verb antilambanō, which means to take hold of something in order to assist, the word implies a hands-on approach to support. It is not merely passive sympathy but an engaged effort to relieve a burden or strengthen another person.
In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Paul’s list of spiritual gifts in First Corinthians 12:28. Here it describes the practical ministry of those who serve others within the church body. The context suggests that this gift involves tangible acts of service, where individuals actively step in to support the needs of the community through their actions.
While the word itself is rare in Scripture, its root verb appears more frequently, often describing God’s help or human assistance in difficult situations. By using this specific term for a church office, Paul highlights that serving others requires deliberate effort and physical involvement. The focus remains on the practical reality of bearing one another’s loads through direct, personal aid.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antilēpsis appears just once in the New Testament, yet it carries a weighty meaning for how we serve one another. It does not describe a distant wish for someone’s well-being, but rather an active, hands-on intervention to relieve their burden. In First Corinthians 12:28, Paul lists this as a specific gift within the church, placing it alongside apostles and teachers. This tells us that practical help is not merely a leftover task for those without flashy roles; it is a vital, Spirit-empowered office essential to the health of the body.
When we encounter this word, we are reminded that faith often looks like showing up. It is the tangible act of stepping in when another person is overwhelmed, whether through physical labor, financial support, or simply carrying a heavy load they cannot manage alone. This kind of service requires deliberate effort and personal involvement, moving beyond sympathy into action. By recognizing this gift in ourselves and others, we acknowledge that God uses our direct engagement to sustain the community.
May you find joy in the practical ways you can support those around you. Whether it is a small act of kindness or a significant sacrifice, your willingness to help reflects the heart of Christ who served us all. Let this understanding encourage you to look for opportunities to bear one another’s burdens with grace and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- helping,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀντιλήμψεις,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 12:28
God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
This is the only occurrence of the noun in the New Testament, where Paul explicitly categorizes practical help as a distinct spiritual gift alongside leadership and teaching roles.