from δέχομαι; a reception, i.e. convivial entertainment:--feast.
Transliteration:dochḗ
Pronunciation:dokh-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term δοχή (dochḗ), transliterated as dochḗ, is derived from the verb δέχομαι (dechomai) `{{G1209}}`, meaning "to receive, to accept, to welcome." This etymological root is fundamental to understanding its core meaning. At its most basic, δοχή signifies "a reception" or "a welcoming." It implies an act of hospitality, where an individual or group is welcomed into a home or gathering. The semantic range of δοχή extends beyond a simple greeting to encompass "convivial entertainment" or "a feast." This suggests that the reception is not merely formal but involves shared food, drink, and fellowship, typically in a celebratory or hospitable context. It describes a gathering specifically arranged for the purpose of receiving and entertaining guests, emphasizing the generous provision and communal aspect of the event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δοχή (dochḗ) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospel of Luke, referring to a celebratory meal or feast.
* **[[Luke 5:29]]**: "And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them."
* In this context, δοχή describes the lavish meal Levi (Matthew) hosted for Jesus following his call to discipleship. The phrase "great feast" (δοχὴν μεγάλην) underscores the significant and celebratory nature of the event. The presence of "publicans and of others" (τελωνῶν πολὺς ὄχλος καὶ ἄλλων) highlights Jesus's willingness to associate with and extend grace to those often marginalized or scorned by society. This δοχή serves as a public declaration of Levi's new allegiance and a tangible demonstration of Jesus's inclusive ministry.
* **[[Luke 14:13]]**: "But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind."
* Here, Jesus uses δοχή in a parable about genuine hospitality and seeking heavenly reward rather than earthly reciprocation. He instructs his listeners to invite those who cannot repay them, radically reorienting the purpose of a feast from social climbing or mutual benefit to selfless generosity. This usage reinforces the idea of a "feast" as an occasion for gathering, but challenges conventional social norms by advocating for radical, counter-cultural inclusion, mirroring divine generosity.
In both instances, δοχή refers to a significant social gathering centered around a meal, embodying the act of receiving and entertaining guests. The contexts demonstrate Jesus's engagement with social norms surrounding feasting, either by participating in them (Levi's feast) or by subverting them with a call to inclusive hospitality (parable).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δέχομαι (dechomai) `{{G1209}}`**: As the root verb, δέχομαι (to receive, accept, welcome) is intrinsically linked to δοχή. δοχή is the *occasion* or *event* that results from the act of δέχομαι. The welcoming gesture is foundational to the concept of a δοχή.
* **δεῖπνον (deipnon) `{{G1173}}`**: This term generally means "dinner" or "supper," the main meal of the day. A δοχή would typically involve a δεῖπνον, but δοχή specifically highlights the *event* as a reception or entertainment, emphasizing the host-guest relationship.
* **συμπόσιον (symposion) `{{G4849}}`**: While δοχή emphasizes the *reception* aspect, συμπόσιον refers more directly to a "drinking party" or "banquet." There is conceptual overlap, as both involve shared meals and fellowship, but δοχή retains the nuance of a welcoming gesture.
* **Hospitality (φιλοξενία - philoxenia) `{{G5381}}`**: The concept of δοχή is a concrete manifestation of φιλοξενία (love of strangers, hospitality). It represents the practical outworking of welcoming others into one's home and sharing resources, a virtue highly valued in biblical tradition.
* **Fellowship (κοινωνία - koinonia) `{{G2842}}`**: Feasts and receptions are often occasions for κοινωνία, fostering deep fellowship and shared life, particularly significant in the early Christian community where communal meals were central to their identity and bonding.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δοχή is profound, particularly as illuminated by Jesus's ministry and teachings.
* **Radical Inclusivity**: The most striking theological implication stems from Jesus's interaction with the δοχή. Levi's feast (a δοχή) in [[Luke 5:29]] vividly portrays Jesus's willingness to transcend social boundaries and extend grace to outcasts and sinners, embodying God's expansive and inclusive love. His instruction in [[Luke 14:13]] further radicalizes this concept, challenging conventional social hierarchies and advocating for a form of hospitality that mirrors divine generosity, where the "poor, maimed, lame, and blind" are intentionally prioritized. This reflects God's preferential option for the vulnerable and marginalized.
* **Kingdom Values**: Jesus consistently uses the context of the δοχή to teach about the values of the Kingdom of God. While earthly banquets often reinforce social status and reciprocal relationships, Jesus transforms the δοχή into a metaphor for Kingdom principles: selfless giving, profound humility, and the pursuit of heavenly reward over earthly recognition. It is an invitation to participate in a new social order defined by divine love.
* **Anticipation of the Heavenly Banquet**: The earthly δοχή can be understood as a foreshadowing of the eschatological banquet, the great feast in the Kingdom of God (cf. [[Luke 14:15]], [[Revelation 19:9]]). Jesus's teachings imply that those who embody radical hospitality on earth—extending welcome to those who cannot repay—will be welcomed at the ultimate divine δοχή.
* **Embodiment of Grace**: The act of hosting a δοχή, especially for those who cannot reciprocate, is an act of unmerited grace, directly mirroring the boundless, unearned favor God extends to humanity. It is a tangible expression of unconditional love and acceptance, a practical outworking of the Gospel message.
### Summary
δοχή (dochḗ) `{{G1403}}` refers to a "reception" or "convivial entertainment," specifically a "feast," derived from the verb δέχομαι (to receive). Its two New Testament occurrences in Luke's Gospel reveal its deep theological significance. In [[Luke 5:29]], it describes Levi's great feast for Jesus, symbolizing Jesus's radical inclusivity and willingness to associate with those considered outcasts. In [[Luke 14:13]], Jesus uses the concept of a δοχή to teach about selfless, counter-cultural hospitality, urging his followers to invite the marginalized who cannot repay them, thereby shifting the focus from earthly gain to heavenly reward. Thus, δοχή transcends a mere social gathering; it becomes a powerful symbol of God's inclusive grace, a demonstration of Kingdom values, and an anticipation of the heavenly banquet, challenging believers to practice a welcoming love that mirrors divine generosity.
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