ἀπόδεκτος (apodektos)
apodektos
pleasing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective apodektos describes something that is accepted or pleasing, carrying the sense of being worthy of reception. Derived from a root meaning "to receive fully," it suggests a positive response from the one receiving. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the pastoral letters of Paul to Timothy.
Its usage highlights the value of specific actions in God’s eyes. Paul describes God as pleased with the prayers and requests of all people (1 Timothy 2:3), indicating that such intercession is acceptable to Him. He also notes that widows who are truly in need are acceptable, or worthy of honor, if they have no one to support them (1 Timothy 5:4). The term emphasizes that these situations meet a standard of acceptability.
Translators typically render this word as "pleasing" or "acceptable," capturing the idea that the subject is well-received. Unlike general terms for goodness, apodektos focuses on the reception itself. It confirms that certain prayers and acts of care are welcomed by God, fitting into His purposes without rejection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we bring our requests before God, it can be easy to wonder if they are good enough or if He is truly listening. The word apodektos offers a quiet reassurance here. It means that what we offer is not just tolerated, but actively received and pleasing in His sight. This is especially comforting when our prayers feel small or repetitive.
God desires for all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). When we pray for others, we are participating in something He finds acceptable. It shifts our focus from our own performance to His gracious reception. We do not need to earn His attention; He is already pleased by our sincere intercession.
This same acceptance extends to how we care for those around us. In 1 Timothy 5:4, Paul notes that caring for family members is acceptable in God's sight. It reminds us that faithfulness in everyday relationships is not separate from spiritual life. Our acts of love and duty are woven into His purposes, welcomed just as much as our spoken prayers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pleasing1×
- acceptable1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπόδεκτον2×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 2:3
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
This verse establishes that God actively desires the salvation of all people, making intercession for others a central and pleasing act of worship.
-
I Timothy 5:4
But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
Here the word validates practical family care as a spiritual duty, showing that honoring parents is received by God with approval.