λῆψις (lēpsis)
lēpsis
receiving
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun lēpsis simply means receiving or taking hold of something. It is derived from the verb lambanō, which covers a wide range of actions from accepting a gift to capturing an object. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Philippians 4:15.
Paul uses it to describe the financial support he received from the Philippian church. He pairs it with the word for giving (dosis) to highlight the mutual exchange of care. This usage shows that receiving is not a passive act but an active participation in Christian fellowship, where the community shares resources to support ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word lēpsis simply means receiving or taking hold of something. It comes from a verb that covers accepting gifts, capturing objects, or even seizing opportunities. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Philippians 4:15. Paul uses it to describe the financial support he received from the Philippian church. He pairs it with the word for giving (dosis) to highlight the mutual exchange of care.
This usage shows that receiving is not a passive act but an active participation in Christian fellowship. When you receive help, you are joining in a shared mission. The community shares resources to support ministry, and this act of receiving allows others to participate in God's work. It is a tangible way to show love and unity.
For your faith, this reminds us that it is okay to need others. We are not meant to carry every burden alone. When we accept help with gratitude, we strengthen the bonds of the church. This mutual care reflects the heart of Christ, who gave Himself for us. Let this truth encourage you to both give and receive with open hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- receiving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λήμψεως1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:15
You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
Paul uses lēpsis alongside 'giving' (dosis) to frame the Philippians' financial support as a mutual partnership in the gospel, elevating their gift from charity to shared ministry.