παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō)
paralambanō
to take
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 50 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paralambanō describes the act of taking someone or something close to oneself. It appears fifty times in the New Testament, often translating the physical action of joining a companion, as when Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain (Mark 9:2), or when Joseph takes Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24). The word implies intimacy and immediate association rather than distant receipt.
Its theological weight emerges in how it handles tradition. Paul uses it to describe receiving teachings directly from the Lord, such as the account of the Last Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23), or accepting the gospel message he preached (Galatians 1:9). This usage highlights a chain of transmission where truth is personally accepted and then passed on, linking the original source to the current believer through faithful custody.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes taking someone close to yourself, creating a bond of immediate association. When Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain, He did not just summon them; He brought them into His inner circle for a moment of shared glory and intimacy. This action shows that God often invites us into closer relationships with Him, asking us to trust Him in places where we cannot see the full picture yet.
We also see this word when Joseph took Mary as his wife or when he fled to Egypt with the child. These acts were not merely logistical; they were responses of faith and obedience to divine guidance. In our own lives, God may call us to take on new responsibilities or embrace difficult changes. We can trust that He provides the strength to carry what He places in our hands.
Paul also uses this term for receiving tradition, such as the account of the Last Supper. This reminds us that the faith we hold is not an isolated experience but a gift passed down through faithful witnesses. We are part of a long chain of believers who have accepted the truth and passed it on. This connection gives our personal faith a solid foundation in history and community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 50 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having taken7×
- you have received4×
- received3×
- do take3×
- you received,2×
- will be taken,2×
- they received2×
- takes with [Him]2×
- takes2×
- it takes2×
- is taken2×
- he took2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραλαβὼν9×
- παραλαμβάνει8×
- παρέλαβον5×
- παρέλαβεν4×
- παράλαβε3×
- παρελάβετε3×
- παρελάβετε,2×
- παραλημφθήσεται,2×
- παραλαμβάνεται2×
- παραλαβόντες2×
- παρέλαβον.1×
- παρέλαβες1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 17:1
After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.
Jesus takes three disciples aside to share a moment of divine revelation, showing the intimacy of His relationship with them.
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Matthew 1:24
Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;
Joseph obeys the angel by taking Mary as his wife, demonstrating faithful action in response to God's command.
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Mark 9:2
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them.
Jesus privately brings Peter, James, and John up a mountain to witness His transfiguration, highlighting selective inclusion in divine glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does paralambanō mean in the New Testament?
How is paralambanō different from lambanō?
Why is this word important for understanding tradition?
Every Occurrence (50 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 16 verses
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 1:24Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;
Matthew 2:13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:14He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt,
Matthew 2:20“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s…
Matthew 2:21He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
Matthew 4:5Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
Matthew 4:8Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Matthew 12:45Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The…
Matthew 17:1After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by…
Matthew 18:16But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be…
Matthew 20:17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
Matthew 24:40Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left.
Matthew 24:41Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and one will be left.
Matthew 26:37He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.
Matthew 27:27Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him.