a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is only used as an alternate in certain tenses; to lot, i.e. determine (by implication, receive) especially by lot:--his lot be, cast lots, obtain.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb λαγχάνω (lanchánō, `{{G2975}}`) carries a primary meaning related to the act of casting or drawing lots. Its most direct sense is "to obtain by lot," "to cast lots," or "to draw lots," implying a method of determination or allocation through chance, often with the underlying belief in divine guidance influencing the outcome. From this core, the semantic range extends to "to obtain" or "to receive" something as if by divine apportionment or a pre-determined, providential arrangement, even when no physical lots are cast. This secondary sense emphasizes the idea of an acquisition that is not earned or chosen by human will, but rather divinely bestowed or appointed. The definition notes it as a "prolonged form of a primary verb," suggesting a nuanced or specific application within its tenses, focusing on the result of the lot-casting or the divine allocation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb λαγχάνω (lanchánō, `{{G2975}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating different facets of its meaning:
* **[[Luke 1:9]]**: "according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell (ἔλαχεν) to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense." Here, λαγχάνω is used in its most literal sense. Zechariah, as a priest, was chosen by lot for a specific priestly duty, a common practice in the Temple for fair distribution of tasks. This highlights the use of lots as a system for divine appointment or orderly service within a religious context.
* **[[John 19:24]]**: "So they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it, but cast lots (λαγχάνωμεν) for it to see whose it shall be.' This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, 'They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.'" In this passage, the soldiers literally cast lots for Jesus' seamless tunic. The evangelist explicitly connects this seemingly random act to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy ([[Psalm 22:18]]), underscoring the idea that even human actions driven by chance can be instruments of divine purpose.
* **[[Acts 1:17]]**: "For he was numbered with us and obtained (ἔλαχεν) a share in this ministry." This refers to Judas Iscariot, who "obtained" or "was allotted" a part in the apostolic ministry. While the subsequent verses describe the casting of lots to replace Judas (specifically, between Barsabbas and Matthias), this verse uses λαγχάνω to describe the initial divine appointment or allocation of the ministry to Judas, emphasizing that his inclusion was not accidental but divinely permitted or assigned, even if his subsequent actions led to his downfall.
* **[[2 Peter 1:1]]**: "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained (λαχοῦσιν) like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ." This is the most theologically profound usage, moving beyond the literal casting of lots. Here, "obtained" (λαχοῦσιν) signifies a gracious reception or a divine bestowal of faith. Believers have received faith not through their own merit or effort, nor through a literal lottery, but as a gift divinely apportioned by God's righteousness. This emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereign grace in the believer's salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "lot" in the Bible is often conveyed by the noun κλῆρος (klēros, `{{G2819}}`), which can refer to the physical lot itself, an inheritance, a portion, or a divine allocation. While λαγχάνω describes the *action* of obtaining by lot, κλῆρος often describes the *outcome* or the *thing obtained*. Other related concepts include:
* **Divine Providence:** The casting of lots in the biblical worldview is rarely seen as purely random. Instead, it is frequently understood as a means by which God's will is revealed or His purposes are accomplished ([[Proverbs 16:33]]).
* **Divine Appointment/Calling:** In contexts like Zechariah's priestly duty or Matthias's selection, the lot serves as a mechanism for divine appointment to specific roles or ministries.
* **Grace and Gift:** Particularly evident in [[2 Peter 1:1]], the concept of "obtaining" faith through λαγχάνω aligns with the New Testament emphasis on faith as a gift from God, not something earned or achieved by human effort ([[Ephesians 2:8-9]]).
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** As seen in [[John 19:24]], seemingly random human actions, including the casting of lots, can unwittingly serve to fulfill specific divine prophecies, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λαγχάνω (lanchánō, `{{G2975}}`) is multifaceted, revealing key aspects of God's character and interaction with humanity:
* **God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs:** The consistent biblical understanding that "the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD" ([[Proverbs 16:33]]) undergirds the use of λαγχάνω. Whether for priestly service, the disposition of property, or the selection of an apostle, the act of casting lots was seen as a way to discern and submit to God's ultimate will. It highlights that even seemingly chance events are under divine orchestration.
* **Divine Appointment for Ministry:** The use of lots in the early church, as seen in the selection of Matthias ([[Acts 1:17]]), underscores the belief that God actively calls and equips individuals for His service. While the method of lot-casting gave way to the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit in later apostolic practice, it initially served as a legitimate means for discerning divine will for specific roles.
* **The Gracious Nature of Faith:** Perhaps the most profound theological insight comes from [[2 Peter 1:1]]. The notion that believers have "obtained" (λαχοῦσιν) faith, not through their own striving but as a divine allocation, powerfully affirms the nature of saving faith as a gift of God's grace. This perspective aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on God's initiative in salvation, where faith itself is a divinely imparted reality, demonstrating His unmerited favor and righteousness.
* **Fulfillment of Redemptive History:** The casting of lots for Jesus' garments ([[John 19:24]]) serves as a stark reminder that even the actions of those hostile to God's purposes are ultimately woven into the tapestry of His redemptive plan, fulfilling ancient prophecies and demonstrating His meticulous oversight of salvation history.
### Summary
The Greek verb λαγχάνω (lanchánō, `{{G2975}}`) primarily denotes "to obtain by lot" or "to cast lots," a practice prevalent in the ancient world for making decisions or apportioning tasks. Its literal usage is evident in Zechariah's priestly service ([[Luke 1:9]]) and the soldiers' actions at the cross ([[John 19:24]]). However, the word's semantic range extends to "to obtain" or "to receive" by divine allocation or providence, without the necessity of a physical lot. This deeper meaning is most powerfully expressed in [[2 Peter 1:1]], where believers are described as having "obtained" a precious faith. This usage underscores a profound theological truth: whether through explicit lot-casting or through the sovereign bestowal of spiritual gifts, the outcomes are ultimately understood as being under the control of God. Thus, λαγχάνω reveals God's active sovereignty in human affairs, His divine appointment of individuals for service, and the gracious nature of faith as a gift freely given to His people.
TRV