What Does apekdechomai (ἀπεκδέχομαι) Mean in the Bible?

Word Overview

The Greek verb apekdechomai describes a posture of eager, patient expectation. It combines the idea of waiting with an intense focus, suggesting that the one who waits is not passive but actively anticipating what is to come. In the New Testament, this word appears eight times, primarily in Paul’s letters and 1 Peter, where it characterizes the Christian hope.

Its usage reveals a distinct theological weight. Romans 8:19 and 23 portray creation and believers themselves as eagerly awaiting redemption, while Philippians 3:20 looks for the Savior from heaven. The word implies that this waiting is not idle; it is a steadfast orientation toward a promised future. Translators often render it as "eagerly waiting" or simply "waiting," but the Greek conveys a deeper, more determined anticipation than the English terms might suggest.

The roots of the word emphasize its intensity: it suggests looking for something with full attention and desire. This distinguishes it from simple expectation; it is a hope that shapes present life. Whether describing the cosmos longing for freedom or Christians awaiting Christ’s return, apekdechomai captures a faith that looks forward with confident patience.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word apekdechomai invites us into a posture of active hope. It is not passive waiting like sitting in a lobby, but rather a focused anticipation of something certain to arrive. When we read that creation itself waits for redemption, it reminds us that our longing is shared by the whole world. This perspective lifts our eyes from immediate troubles to the broader story God is writing.

In your daily life, this means holding onto promises with steady confidence. You do not need to force outcomes or worry about timing. Instead, you can rest in the knowledge that the One who promised is faithful. Like those waiting for a Savior, we live with our eyes fixed on heaven, allowing that future hope to shape how we treat others and handle present challenges today.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

we await.1×

we are awaiting1×

he was expecting1×

eagerly awaiting1×

eagerly await.1×

awaits;1×

awaiting,1×

awaiting1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ἀπεκδεχόμεθα.2×

ἀπεξεδέχετο1×

ἀπεκδέχεται·1×

ἀπεκδεχόμενοι,1×

ἀπεκδεχόμεθα1×

ἀπεκδεχομένους1×

ἀπεκδεχομένοις1×

Key Verses

Romans 8:19

For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

This verse shows the scope of Christian hope by extending it to all creation, indicating that our anticipation is part of a cosmic restoration.

Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Here the word grounds identity in heaven, suggesting that our current earthly status is secondary to the coming revelation of Christ.

Hebrews 9:28

so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

This occurrence links waiting directly to salvation, portraying those who anticipate Christ's return as recipients of his final victory over sin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does apekdechomai mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek verb meaning to wait for with eager expectation. It combines patience with intense focus, describing an active anticipation of a promised future event rather than idle waiting.

How is this word different from simple waiting?

While simple waiting can be passive, apekdechomai implies a determined and eager look toward a specific outcome. It suggests that the one waiting is fully engaged and oriented toward what is to come.

Where does this word appear most often?

It appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily in Paul’s letters such as Romans and Philippians, as well as in 1 Peter. It is used to describe both believers and creation awaiting redemption.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 6 books)