ἀσμένως (asmenōs)
asmenōs
gladly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb asmenōs conveys a sense of doing something with genuine pleasure or willingness. Derived from roots related to joy and gladness, it describes an attitude where the heart is aligned with the action, performing it not out of duty alone but with delight. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the book of Acts.
Its most notable usage occurs in Acts 21:17, where the believers in Jerusalem receive Paul "gladly" upon his arrival. This specific context highlights a warm, welcoming reception among early Christians despite previous tensions. The term suggests that their welcome was not merely polite but heartfelt and enthusiastic, reflecting a shared joy in his safe return.
Translators typically render asmenōs as "gladly," "joyfully," or "with delight." While the English word "gladly" can sometimes feel passive, the Greek term carries an active emotional weight. It points to an inner disposition of happiness that shapes outward behavior, marking moments in Scripture where community bonds are strengthened by mutual joy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asmenōs describes a heart that is fully aligned with an action, performing it not just out of duty but with genuine delight. It suggests that our inner disposition of happiness shapes how we treat others, turning simple interactions into moments of true connection. When we receive people gladly, we reflect the warmth of God’s own welcome to us.
In Acts 21:17, the believers in Jerusalem received Paul gladly upon his arrival. This welcome was not merely polite; it was heartfelt and enthusiastic, reflecting a shared joy in his safe return despite previous tensions. Such moments remind us that community bonds are strengthened when we choose to meet others with open hearts and genuine pleasure.
This attitude invites us to look beyond the surface of our daily encounters. It challenges us to consider whether our hospitality and acceptance flow from a place of true gladness. By cultivating this spirit, we create spaces where others feel valued and loved, mirroring the joy that Christ brings into our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gladly2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσμένως2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:17
When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
This verse highlights how the early Christians' heartfelt welcome strengthened community bonds despite previous tensions.
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Acts 2:41
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
Here, the adverb describes those who received Peter's message with genuine pleasure, leading to their baptism.