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ἀποδοχή (apodochē)

apodochē

acceptance

G0594 · Greek · New Testament · 2 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun apodochē signifies a formal act of acceptance or approval, carrying the sense of receiving something with favor. Derived from the verb meaning to receive back or welcome, it implies more than passive reception; it suggests an active endorsement or approbation by the recipient.

In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the Pastoral Epistles. In 1 Timothy 4:9, Paul describes a saying as "worthy of full acceptance," using apodochē to affirm that the teaching deserves complete trust and adoption by the community. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 1:15, he presents his own conversion story as a reliable account for which believers should offer their full approval.

The term highlights the weight of authoritative statements in early Christian instruction. By labeling certain truths as deserving apodochē, the text emphasizes that these messages are not merely opinions but established facts meant to be embraced without reservation by those who hear them.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word apodochē points to a confident reception of truth. It describes more than passive listening; it means welcoming a message with full approval and trust. When Scripture calls something worthy of this acceptance, it invites us to embrace it as reliable and true for our lives today.

In 1 Timothy, Paul uses this term to highlight core teachings that deserve our complete endorsement. This includes the promise that Christ came to save sinners and the general faithfulness of God's word. These are not optional ideas but foundational truths meant to shape how we live and believe.

As you read these passages, consider what it means to fully accept God's promises. Let this confidence in His word anchor your heart, bringing peace and stability as you walk in faith each day.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • acceptance2×

Forms in the text

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

  • ἀποδοχῆς2×

Key Verses

  • I Timothy 1:15
    The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

    This verse applies the concept of full acceptance to the specific gospel truth that Christ came to save sinners, grounding our trust in His saving work.

  • I Timothy 4:9
    This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.

    Here the term affirms the general faithfulness of God's word, calling believers to actively endorse these reliable teachings as essential for their spiritual life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does apodochē mean in the New Testament?

Apodochē is a Greek noun that means acceptance or approval. It describes the active act of receiving something with favor and trust, rather than just passively hearing it. In the Pastoral Epistles, it is used to describe teachings that deserve full confidence.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the first letter of Paul to Timothy. It is found in 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 Timothy 4:9, where Paul describes certain sayings as worthy of all acceptance.

How is apodochē different from simply believing?

While belief involves trust, apodochē emphasizes the act of receiving or welcoming a message with full endorsement. It suggests that the content is so reliable and true that it deserves our complete adoption and approval as part of our faith.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 1 books)