παραδέχομαι (paradechomai)
paradechomai
to welcome
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paradechomai means to welcome or accept someone with open arms, indicating a positive reception rather than mere tolerance. It appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in Acts and 1 Timothy, where it describes how communities received messengers or elders. For instance, Paul recounts being welcomed by believers in Jerusalem (Acts 22:18) and notes that Timothy was accepted by the brothers in Antioch (Acts 16:2).
Its root combines para ("beside") and dechomai ("to receive"), suggesting taking someone into one’s circle or sphere of influence. This distinguishes it from simple acknowledgment; it implies a relational commitment to admit and support. In 1 Timothy 5:19, Paul instructs that accusations against elders are not to be received unless supported by witnesses, highlighting its use in formal acceptance or admission within the church community.
Translators often render this word as "welcome" or "accept," capturing the warmth and intentionality behind the action. It reflects a deliberate choice to embrace another person, whether as a fellow believer, a teacher, or a member of the faith community. The term underscores the importance of hospitality and inclusion in early Christian practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word paradechomai carries a warmth that goes beyond simple politeness. It means to welcome someone with open arms, taking them into your circle of care and support. When you read this in Scripture, it reminds us that faith is not lived in isolation. We are called to actively embrace others, whether they are new believers, traveling messengers, or elders guiding the church.
This kind of reception requires intentionality. It is a deliberate choice to admit someone into your sphere of influence and stand with them. In Acts, we see communities receiving Paul and his companions not just as guests, but as part of their spiritual family. This hospitality reflects the heart of God, who welcomes us despite our flaws.
For your daily life, this word invites you to look for opportunities to include those on the margins. It challenges you to move past mere tolerance and offer genuine acceptance. By doing so, you create spaces where others can feel safe, valued, and connected to the body of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to accept1×
- they will receive1×
- they were received1×
- receive [it]1×
- do receive1×
- He receives.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρεδέχθησαν1×
- παραδέχου1×
- παραδέχονται1×
- παραδέχεται.1×
- παραδέχεσθαι1×
- παραδέξονταί1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:4
When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported everything that God had done with them.
This verse shows the early church collectively receiving Paul and Barnabas, demonstrating how communal welcome validates a ministry's mission.
-
Acts 22:18
and saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.’
Here Jesus uses the word to describe a future rejection, highlighting that being 'received' is essential for effective witness in Jerusalem.
-
I Timothy 5:19
Don’t receive an accusation against an elder except at the word of two or three witnesses.
Paul applies this term to formal church governance, showing that accusations must be carefully 'received' or admitted only with solid evidence.