### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
δεκτός (dektós, `{{G1184}}`) is an adjective derived from the Greek verb δέχομαι (dechomai, `{{G1209}}`), which means "to receive," "to accept," or "to welcome." The core meaning of δεκτός therefore denotes something that is "received," "accepted," "approved," or "welcome." Its semantic range extends to:
* **Approved/Acceptable:** This primary sense refers to something that meets a standard of approval, is pleasing, or is suitable for reception. It implies a favorable disposition towards the object or person in question.
* **Propitious/Favorable:** In a figurative or theological sense, δεκτός can describe a time or circumstance that is opportune, favorable, or divinely appointed for acceptance. This often carries the nuance of divine grace or an appointed season of favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δεκτός appears several times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels, Acts, and Pauline epistles, conveying significant theological implications:
* **Luke 4:19**: "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." In Jesus's inaugural sermon, quoting Isaiah 61:2 (LXX), δεκτός refers to a specific period of divine favor and salvation inaugurated by His ministry. It signifies a divinely appointed, opportune, and welcome season of grace.
* **Acts 10:35**: "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." Here, δεκτός describes individuals who are "acceptable" to God. Peter's vision and subsequent encounter with Cornelius reveal God's impartiality: acceptance is based not on ethnicity but on genuine piety and righteous living, as enabled by God's grace.
* **2 Corinthians 6:2**: "For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Paul, again quoting Isaiah (49:8 LXX), uses δεκτός to emphasize the urgency and immediacy of God's present offer of salvation through the Gospel. The "acceptable time" is not future, but *now*, demanding an immediate response.
* **Philippians 4:18**: "Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which came from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God." Here, δεκτός characterizes the Philippians' financial gift as an "acceptable sacrifice" to God. This highlights that acts of generosity and practical support for ministry, offered in love, are pleasing and welcome in God's sight, akin to Old Testament sacrifices.
* **1 Peter 2:5**: "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Similar to Philippians, δεκτός describes "spiritual sacrifices" offered by believers. These are not ritualistic animal sacrifices but acts of worship, service, and righteous living, which are made acceptable to God only "through Jesus Christ."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δέχομαι (dechomai, `{{G1209}}`):** The root verb from which δεκτός is derived. It signifies the act of receiving, accepting, or welcoming. δεκτός describes the state of being received or acceptable.
* **εὐάρεστος (euarestos, `{{G2101}}`):** Meaning "well-pleasing" or "acceptable." This word often describes that which is pleasing to God's will or character (e.g., [[Romans 12:1]], [[Colossians 3:20]]). While δεκτός emphasizes the *reception* or *approval* by God, εὐάρεστος focuses more on the *pleasing quality* of the action or person. They are often used complementarily.
* **προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, `{{G4327}}`):** A compound verb meaning "to receive favorably," "to accept," or "to expect." It carries a nuance of welcoming or anticipating something.
* **ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai, `{{G594}}`):** Another compound verb meaning "to receive gladly" or "to welcome."
* **Old Testament Parallels (LXX):** In the Septuagint (LXX), δεκτός frequently translates Hebrew terms such as רָצוֹן (ratzon, `{{H7522}}`), meaning "favor, goodwill, acceptance," or רָצָה (ratsah, `{{H7521}}`), "to be pleased with, accept." This continuity highlights the consistent biblical theme of God's favor and the conditions for human acceptance.
### Theological Significance
The concept of δεκτός holds profound theological significance, illuminating aspects of God's character, the nature of salvation, and the believer's response:
* **Divine Initiative and Grace:** The "acceptable year/time" (Luke 4:19, 2 Corinthians 6:2) underscores God's sovereign initiative in extending salvation and favor. It is a divinely appointed period of grace, freely offered, not earned by human merit. This emphasizes God's propitious and benevolent disposition towards humanity.
* **Universality of God's Acceptance:** Acts 10:35 powerfully conveys that God's acceptance is not confined by ethnic, social, or religious boundaries. It is open to "whoever fears Him and works righteousness," challenging narrow conceptions of divine favor and highlighting the impartiality of God's saving work through Christ.
* **Urgency of Present Salvation:** Paul's declaration "now is the acceptable time" (2 Corinthians 6:2) transforms the prophetic "year" into an immediate, present reality. It serves as a fervent call to an urgent, decisive response to the Gospel, emphasizing that the opportunity for salvation is current and must not be neglected.
* **Acceptable Worship and Service:** The application of δεκτός to "sacrifices" (Philippians 4:18, 1 Peter 2:5) teaches that the actions of believers—their generosity, worship, and righteous living—are genuinely pleasing to God when offered in faith. This elevates acts of daily life and service to the status of spiritual sacrifices, demonstrating that true worship encompasses all of life, made acceptable by Christ's atoning work.
* **Christ as the Basis of Acceptance:** While not always explicitly stated with δεκτός, the overarching New Testament theology affirms that all human acceptance by God, whether of persons or their offerings, is ultimately "through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). His perfect sacrifice and mediation are the foundational basis upon which human efforts become δεκτός in God's sight.
### Summary
δεκτός (dektós, `{{G1184}}`) is a pivotal New Testament adjective, rooted in the concept of "receiving," signifying "acceptable," "approved," or "propitious." Its biblical usage reveals a multi-faceted theological understanding. It designates a divinely appointed "acceptable time" or "year" (Luke 4:19, 2 Corinthians 6:2), marking a season of God's favor and the urgent call to salvation in the present moment. Furthermore, δεκτός describes individuals who are "accepted" by God, underscoring His universal and impartial welcome to all who fear Him and practice righteousness (Acts 10:35). Finally, the term characterizes "spiritual sacrifices" and acts of generosity (Philippians 4:18, 1 Peter 2:5) as "acceptable" to God, emphasizing that genuine worship and service, offered through faith in Jesus Christ, find favor in His eyes. In essence, δεκτός encapsulates both God's gracious initiative in extending salvation and the nature of the human response that is pleasing and welcomed by Him.
TRV