εἰσδέχομαι (eisdechomai)
eisdechomai
to receive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb eisdechomai means to receive someone with kindness or favor, carrying a sense of welcoming admission. It is formed from the preposition eis, meaning "into," and dechomai, meaning "to receive." This combination suggests not just passive acceptance but an active, gracious reception into one’s sphere.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 6:17. Paul quotes from the Old Testament to urge believers to separate themselves from unclean things, using eisdechomai to describe how God receives His people. The usage highlights a divine welcome that involves both acceptance and a call to distinctiveness.
While less common than other Greek words for receive, such as lambanō or paralambanō, eisdechomai emphasizes the relational aspect of receiving. It implies treating the one received with favor and care. This nuance is significant in contexts where belonging and acceptance are central themes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eisdechomai appears just once in the New Testament, found in 2 Corinthians 6:17. It combines a preposition meaning 'into' with a verb for receiving, creating a sense of active, gracious welcome. When God says He will receive us, it is not merely passive acceptance but an intentional invitation into His presence and care.
This divine reception comes with a call to separation from unclean things. It suggests that belonging to God involves both being welcomed by Him and living in a way that reflects His holiness. For your faith, this means you are valued and chosen, invited into a relationship that shapes how you live day by day.
Knowing that God actively receives you offers deep comfort. You do not have to earn this welcome; it is given freely. This assurance allows you to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing you are held by a God who invites you near and cares for your distinctiveness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will receive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰσδέξομαι1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 6:17
Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.
This verse uniquely uses eisdechomai to describe God's personal act of receiving believers into fellowship after calling them out from impurity.