ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai)
apodechomai
to receive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apodechomai means to receive or welcome someone with open arms and genuine pleasure. It goes beyond simple acceptance to describe a warm, glad reception of what is offered. In the Gospels, this word appears when people eagerly take in Jesus’ teaching (Luke 8:40; 9:11), highlighting an attitude of eager hospitality rather than passive tolerance.
In the book of Acts, the term describes how early Christians welcomed new believers and respected leaders. Barnabas encouraged the church at Antioch by bringing Saul to them, where they received him gladly (Acts 18:27). Similarly, the disciples in Jerusalem accepted Paul’s report with joy (Acts 21:17), showing that apodechomai often marks a moment of communal unity and mutual affirmation within the early church.
The word combines apo ("from") and dechomai ("to receive"), suggesting a deliberate taking in from another source. Translators usually render it as "received" or "welcomed," but the Greek carries a sense of personal engagement. It was not just about accepting information, but embracing people into fellowship, as seen when thousands joined the believers after Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:41).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apodechomai describes more than just accepting something; it means welcoming someone with genuine pleasure and open arms. When we read about crowds or early believers using this term, we see an active, warm engagement rather than passive tolerance. It suggests that receiving another person is an act of joy and intentional hospitality.
In your own life, this invites you to look beyond mere obligation when interacting with others. Whether welcoming a new neighbor or listening to a friend’s story, there is a call to embrace them fully. This kind of reception builds community and reflects the warmth of Christ’s own welcome to those who come to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- received2×
- having received2×
- we gladly accept [it],1×
- was welcoming1×
- to welcome1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποδέξασθαι1×
- ἀποδεχόμεθα,1×
- ἀποδεξάμενος1×
- ἀποδεξάμενοι1×
- ἀπεδέχετο1×
- ἀπεδέξατο1×
- ἀπεδέξαντο1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:11
But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them of God’s Kingdom, and he cured those who needed healing.
Jesus actively welcomes the multitudes, showing that His ministry begins with a glad reception of people rather than just teaching them.
-
Acts 2:41
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
The phrase 'gladly received' highlights that the early believers embraced Peter’s message with personal joy, leading to immediate baptism and community growth.
-
Acts 21:17
When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
The Jerusalem brothers receiving Paul 'gladly' demonstrates how mutual affirmation strengthens unity among diverse groups in the early church.