δεκτός (dektos)
dektos
acceptable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective dektos describes something that is accepted or deemed suitable by another party. Derived from the verb dechomai, meaning "to receive," it carries the sense of being welcomed into favor. In the New Testament, this word appears in five verses, often highlighting a state of divine approval or a gift that is well-received.
A key instance occurs in Luke 4:19, where Jesus quotes Isaiah regarding the "acceptable year" of the Lord, signaling a time of grace and favor. The term also describes the Philippians’ gifts as a fragrant offering acceptable to God (Philippians 4:18) and notes that God accepts those who fear Him regardless of nationality (Acts 10:35). It signifies not just passive reception, but active approval.
Translators typically render dektos as "acceptable" or "accepted," preserving the relational dynamic between the giver and the receiver. The word underscores that value is determined by the one who receives it, whether that be God accepting a person’s heart or a believer’s offering being pleasing to Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dektos describes something that is welcomed into favor by another party. It comes from a verb meaning 'to receive,' suggesting that value is determined by the one who accepts the gift or person. In Scripture, this term highlights divine approval rather than mere human suitability. When we offer our lives or resources to God, we seek to be dektos—accepted and well-pleasing to Him.
This acceptance is not based on our perfection but on His grace. Jesus proclaimed the 'acceptable year of the Lord' in Luke 4:19, marking a time when God’s favor was freely extended to all who would believe. Similarly, Paul describes the Philippians’ gifts as a fragrant offering that God receives with delight (Philippians 4:18). This reminds us that our acts of love and generosity are not lost but are recorded in heaven as pleasing sacrifices.
God looks at the heart, accepting those who fear Him and work righteousness from every nation (Acts 10:35). Whether you are offering a small gift or seeking forgiveness, know that God is ready to receive you. His acceptance is a gift of grace, inviting us into a relationship defined by love and mutual delight.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- acceptable4×
- favor.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεκτῷ1×
- δεκτός1×
- δεκτόν.1×
- δεκτὸς1×
- δεκτὴν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 4:19
and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
This verse marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry by announcing a specific time when God's favor was uniquely extended to humanity.
-
Philippians 4:18
But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
Paul uses this word to describe how God receives the Philippians' financial support as a fragrant sacrifice, validating their partnership in the gospel.
-
Acts 10:35
but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
Peter declares that God accepts people from every nation who fear Him, showing that divine approval transcends ethnic boundaries.