ἐπιδέχομαι (epidechomai)
epidechomai
to welcome
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epidechomai means to receive someone with hospitality or to welcome them into one’s circle. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Third Epistle of John, where it describes the proper attitude toward traveling Christian workers. It carries the sense of accepting a person warmly, rather than merely tolerating their presence.
Its structure combines the prefix epi, suggesting addition or upon, with dechomai, which means to receive. This combination implies receiving someone in addition to one’s own household or community. The sources note that in earlier Greek and the Septuagint, it could mean to admit of something, but in this biblical context, it is distinctly personal. John uses it to contrast hospitality with rejection, as seen when he urges Gaius to welcome those who bear his name.
This word highlights the practical side of Christian fellowship. It is not just about belief, but about opening one’s home and resources to others. The rare usage in Scripture gives it a focused weight, emphasizing that welcoming believers is a tangible expression of shared faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When John wrote to Gaius, he used a word that goes deeper than a polite greeting. To epidechomai is to welcome someone into your circle with genuine hospitality. It means opening your home and resources to traveling workers who carry the name of Christ. This act turns belief into tangible fellowship.
In contrast, Diotrephes refused to receive these brothers. His pride kept him from sharing his life with others. John shows us that welcoming people is a clear sign of our commitment to the truth. It is not enough to agree on doctrine; we must also extend kindness to those who serve Jesus.
This rare word reminds us that faith is lived out in community. When we open our doors, we support the spread of the gospel. We become part of a shared mission that values every believer. Let this encourage you to look for ways to welcome others today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- welcomes1×
- he receives1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιδέχεται2×
Key Verses
-
III John 1:9
I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.
This verse introduces Diotrephes, whose refusal to accept the apostolic message highlights the practical failure of hospitality.
-
III John 1:10
Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
Here the word describes the active rejection of traveling brothers, showing how pride can block Christian fellowship.