μεταλαμβάνω (metalambanō)
metalambanō
to partake
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metalambanō means to have a share in something or to partake of it. In the New Testament, it describes receiving a portion of what is available, whether that is physical food or spiritual blessings. The word appears seven times across the New Testament, with significant usage in Acts, Hebrews, and Second Timothy.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context. When used with a genitive case, it often refers to partaking of specific things like food or training, as seen when believers shared meals in Acts 2:46 or when Paul speaks of God’s discipline in Hebrews 12:10. In other instances, such as Acts 27:33-34, it simply means to take or get something, like a meal during a storm.
The word combines the prefix meta, indicating association or participation, with lambanō, meaning to take. This structure emphasizes that partaking is an active engagement with what is offered. Translators typically render it as "partake" or "share," capturing the idea of joining in something that belongs to a group or is provided by another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metalambanō invites us into the simple, shared life of faith. It describes taking a share in something offered by another. In Acts 2:46, believers broke bread together with gladness. This was not just eating; it was participating in community and gratitude. When we gather for meals or fellowship, we are enacting this ancient practice of sharing life.
Spiritually, this concept extends to God’s discipline and training. Hebrews 12:10 reminds us that divine correction is meant for our profit. We partake in His holiness through these experiences. It is a gentle invitation to see every season as an opportunity to grow closer to Him.
Even in difficult times, like the storm in Acts 27, Paul urged others to eat for their safety. This shows that partaking includes caring for our physical needs. God provides for us so we can stand firm. Let this word encourage you to receive His gifts with thankfulness and to share them generously with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to partake2×
- to share1×
- to partake;1×
- they were partaking1×
- partakes1×
- having found1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεταλαβεῖν3×
- μετελάμβανον1×
- μεταλαμβάνειν·1×
- μεταλαμβάνει1×
- μεταλαβὼν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:46
Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
This verse highlights the communal aspect of partaking, showing how believers shared meals with gladness as a core practice of their faith.
-
Hebrews 12:10
For they indeed for a few days disciplined us as seemed good to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.
Here the word shifts to spiritual discipline, explaining that God's correction allows us to partake in His holiness for our ultimate good.
-
Acts 27:34
Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads.”
Paul uses the term practically during a storm, urging the crew to eat for their physical safety, demonstrating care for bodily needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does metalambanō mean in the New Testament?
How is metalambanō different from lambanō?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 3 books)
Acts 4 verses
Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with…
Acts 24:25As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your…
Acts 27:33While the day was coming on, Paul begged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you wait…
Acts 27:34Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads.”