προσλαμβάνω (proslambanō)
proslambanō
to take
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proslambanō means to take something or someone into one’s own care or possession. It carries a sense of welcoming what is offered or received, often with an implication of kindness and acceptance. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where individuals are taken in, whether as companions, guests, or even food.
This word highlights relational dynamics. For instance, in Acts 27:33-36, Paul encourages others to take food for strength during a storm, using proslambanō to describe receiving sustenance. Similarly, Romans 14:1 and 15:7 use the term when discussing how believers should welcome those with differing convictions into fellowship. The emphasis is on inclusion and mutual support.
Its root combines "pros" (toward) and "lambanō" (to take), suggesting movement toward someone or something with purpose. This nuance underscores its use in fostering community, as seen in Philemon 17, where Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back not just as a slave but as a brother. The word reflects both physical and spiritual reception, making it central to themes of unity and grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσλαμβάνω carries a gentle invitation to open your hands and heart. It is not merely about receiving an object, but about welcoming a person into your circle with kindness and care. When you see this term in Scripture, it points toward the active choice of inclusion, bridging gaps between people who might otherwise remain strangers or even opponents.
In practical terms, this means creating space for those whose faith journey looks different from yours. Just as Paul urged believers to accept one another despite differing convictions, this word invites you to look past surface disagreements and see the shared humanity in others. It is a call to build bridges rather than walls, offering the same grace that has been freely given to you.
Whether it involves welcoming a guest during difficult times or receiving a former adversary as a brother, this action reflects the heart of Christ. By choosing to take someone in with generosity, you participate in the very work of reconciliation that strengthens the community and brings glory to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do receive2×
- they took to [them]1×
- they took1×
- they received1×
- received1×
- having taken.1×
- having taken to [them]1×
- having taken aside1×
- having taken1×
- has received.1×
- do yourself receive.1×
- do yourself receive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσελάβοντο3×
- προσλαμβάνεσθε2×
- προσλαβόμενος2×
- προσλαβόμενοι.1×
- προσλαβόμενοι1×
- προσλαβοῦ.1×
- προσλαβοῦ1×
- προσελάβετο.1×
- προσελάβετο1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 15:7
Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.
This verse grounds the command to accept one another directly in the example of Christ's acceptance, making it a theological imperative for unity.
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Philemon 1:17
If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
Paul uses this word to urge Philemon to receive Onesimus with the same dignity and intimacy he would show Paul himself, highlighting radical relational equality.
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Acts 28:2
The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold.
Here the term describes the natives showing uncommon kindness by receiving Paul and his companions into their care during a storm, illustrating hospitality in hardship.
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Romans 14:1
Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
The instruction to accept the weak in faith sets the stage for navigating disputes over opinions with grace rather than judgment.