from a primary (to tend, i.e. take care of); properly, to provide for, i.e. (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain):--bring, receive.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κομίζω (komízō, `{{G2865}}`) derives from a primary root signifying "to tend" or "to take care of." This foundational meaning branches into a dynamic semantic range. Properly, it means "to provide for," implying an active bringing or carrying. By extension, it comes to mean "to carry off," often with the nuance of securing or acquiring something, perhaps as if from harm or for safekeeping. Most significantly in the New Testament, κομίζω frequently denotes "to obtain" or "to receive," particularly in the context of acquiring what is due, whether as a reward, a consequence, or the fulfillment of a promise. It suggests a consequential reception, an outcome that is actively brought about or justly returned.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of κομίζω in the New Testament consistently highlight the theme of reception, often as a direct result or recompense for actions or faith.
In [[Ephesians 6:8]], Paul states, "knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free." Here, κομίζω clearly indicates the reception of a divine reward for good deeds, emphasizing God's just recompense. Similarly, [[Colossians 3:25]] warns, "For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality." This verse employs κομίζω to denote the inevitable reception of negative consequences for wrongdoing, underscoring divine impartiality in judgment.
The concept of receiving promises is central in the book of Hebrews. [[Hebrews 10:36]] encourages believers to endure, "so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." This speaks to the future fulfillment of God's word. Conversely, [[Hebrews 11:13]] and [[Hebrews 11:39]] note that the heroes of faith "did not receive what was promised" in their lifetime, highlighting the eschatological nature of certain divine promises.
In the Petrine epistles, κομίζω describes the culmination of faith and the reception of future glory. [[1 Peter 1:9]] speaks of believers "receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls," indicating salvation as the ultimate result. [[1 Peter 5:4]] promises that when the Chief Shepherd appears, believers "will receive the unfading crown of glory," pointing to a future, incorruptible reward. Conversely, [[2 Peter 2:13]] uses the term to describe false teachers "suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong," reinforcing the principle of just retribution.
While less common, it can also refer to a more direct "bringing" or "carrying," as seen in [[Matthew 17:27]] where Peter is instructed to "take up the fish that comes up first, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for Me and for yourself," though here it is more about obtaining.
### Related Words & Concepts
κομίζω shares semantic space with other Greek words for receiving, but often carries a more specific nuance of deserved or consequential reception.
* **`{{G2983}}` λαμβάνω (lambanō):** A general term for "to take" or "to receive." While κομίζω can be translated "receive," it often implies a reception that is a direct outcome or recompense, whereas λαμβάνω is broader.
* **`{{G618}}` ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambanō):** "To receive back," "to get back," or "to recover." This word is very close to κομίζω in its sense of receiving what is due or what belongs to one, often as a return or reward.
* **`{{G1209}}` δέχομαι (dechomai):** "To receive," "to accept," often implying a willing or hospitable reception.
* **Concepts:** The theological concepts closely associated with κομίζω include divine recompense, reward, retribution, the fulfillment of promises, and the ultimate outcome of one's actions or faith.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κομίζω is profound, primarily underscoring the biblical principle of divine justice and the certainty of future accountability.
First, κομίζω highlights **God's unwavering faithfulness and justice**. Whether for good or ill, individuals will inevitably "receive" the consequences of their deeds. This is a foundational aspect of God's character: He is just in His judgments and faithful to His promises. Believers are assured that they will "receive" their promised inheritance, salvation, and crowns of glory, reinforcing God's reliability. Conversely, those who do evil will "receive" the just recompense for their wrongdoing, affirming God's righteous retribution.
Second, the word emphasizes **moral agency and responsibility**. The act of "receiving" through κομίζω is rarely presented as passive. Instead, it is the direct outcome of choices made, actions performed, or faith exercised. This reinforces the idea that human actions have spiritual and eternal consequences, and that individuals are accountable before God for what they do in this life.
Finally, κομίζω often points to an **eschatological dimension**. Many instances of "receiving" through this word relate to future events—the day of judgment, the return of Christ, or the culmination of the believer's faith. It serves as a powerful reminder of the future reckoning and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes, where all will ultimately "receive" their due.
### Summary
The Greek word κομίζω (komízō, `{{G2865}}`) fundamentally conveys the idea of "to provide for" or "to carry off," but most prominently in the New Testament, it signifies "to obtain" or "to receive." This reception is consistently portrayed as a consequential outcome, often as a just recompense or the fulfillment of a promise. Biblically, κομίζω is a key term for understanding divine justice, appearing in contexts where individuals "receive" either rewards (e.g., the crown of glory, salvation's outcome) or retribution (e.g., consequences for wrongdoing) based on their actions or faith. Theologically, it underscores God's faithfulness to His word, the certainty of future accountability, and the profound truth that all will ultimately "receive" what is justly due from the Lord.
TRV