### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεταλαμβάνω (metalambánō, `{{G3335}}`) is a compound word formed from μετά (meta), signifying "with," "among," or "after," often implying change or participation, and λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`), meaning "to take" or "to receive." This etymology reveals its core semantic range: "to take a share of," "to participate in," or "to receive a portion of something." It denotes an active engagement in receiving or partaking, often implying that one is gaining a share of something that is also available to others or is being distributed. The nuance of "to accept and use" further emphasizes not just passive reception, but an active appropriation and utilization of what is received. Its application extends from the concrete act of consuming food to the abstract concept of sharing in divine attributes or human nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of μεταλαμβάνω in the New Testament illustrate its diverse applications:
* **Physical Sustenance:** In [[Acts 2:46]], the early believers are described as "breaking bread from house to house, they were *taking food* with gladness and simplicity of heart." Similarly, in [[Acts 27:33]] and [[Acts 27:34]], Paul urges the sailors and soldiers to "take food" for their health and survival during the storm. Here, μεταλαμβάνω refers to the literal act of eating, signifying the reception and consumption of physical nourishment.
* **Participation in Human Nature:** Perhaps one of its most profound uses is in [[Hebrews 2:14]]: "Inasmuch then as the children *have partaken* of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise *shared* in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." This verse highlights Christ's full and genuine participation in human physical nature, a crucial aspect of the Incarnation, enabling Him to be a sympathetic High Priest and to offer Himself as a sacrifice for humanity.
* **Reception of Divine Blessing:** [[Hebrews 6:7]] states, "For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, *receives* blessing from God." Here, μεταλαμβάνω describes the earth's reception of God's life-giving blessing, a natural parallel to spiritual reception.
* **Participation in Divine Holiness:** In [[Hebrews 12:10]], the author speaks of God's fatherly discipline: "For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we *may be partakers* of His holiness." This signifies that divine discipline is intended to lead believers into a deeper, active sharing in God's moral and spiritual purity, moving them towards sanctification.
* **Engagement in Unprofitable Activity:** [[1 Timothy 5:13]] presents a cautionary use: "And besides that, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, *saying things which they ought not*." While some translations render this as "saying things which they ought not," the underlying Greek verb μεταλαμβάνουσαι (participle form) carries the sense of "taking a share in" or "participating in" idle gossip and meddling. This illustrates that μεταλαμβάνω can also describe participation in negative or unproductive activities.
### Related Words & Concepts
μεταλαμβάνω shares semantic space with several other Greek terms related to sharing and participation:
* λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`): As the base verb, λαμβάνω means "to take, receive." μεταλαμβάνω adds the specific nuance of taking a *share* or *portion*, often in common with others, or taking something *from* a larger whole.
* μετέχω (metéchō, `{{G3348}}`): This verb is very close in meaning, typically translated as "to share in," "to partake of," or "to have a share." While often interchangeable, μεταλαμβάνω might emphasize the *act* of receiving or taking a share, whereas μετέχω might emphasize the *state* of possessing or having a share. Both are used for participation in both physical and spiritual realities.
* κοινωνέω (koinonéō, `{{G2841}}`), κοινωνός (koinonós, `{{G2844}}`), and κοινωνία (koinonía, `{{G2842}}`): These terms convey the idea of fellowship, partnership, and communion. While μεταλαμβάνω describes the act of taking a share, κοινωνία describes the state of shared participation and the bond that results from it. One might μεταλαμβάνω (partake) of the Lord's Supper, which fosters κοινωνία (fellowship) with Christ and fellow believers.
The concept of participation is central to biblical theology, encompassing aspects such as:
* Incarnation: Christ's participation in human nature.
* Sanctification: Believers' participation in divine holiness.
* Communion: Sharing in common spiritual blessings and practices.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεταλαμβάνω is profound, particularly in two key areas:
1. **The Incarnation of Christ:** [[Hebrews 2:14]] is a cornerstone passage for understanding Christology. The assertion that Jesus "shared" or "partook" (μεταλαμβάνω) in flesh and blood as humans do is vital. It underscores the genuineness of His humanity, affirming that He was not merely a spirit or an apparition, but fully embodied human nature, including its vulnerability to suffering and death. This complete identification with humanity was essential for Him to be a fitting sacrifice and a compassionate High Priest, able to empathize with human weakness and redeem humanity from sin. Without this full participation, the atonement would be incomplete.
2. **The Believer's Sanctification:** [[Hebrews 12:10]] reveals God's purpose in discipline: "that we *may be partakers* of His holiness." This indicates that God's corrective actions are not punitive but redemptive, designed to draw believers into a deeper, active participation in His very nature – His moral purity, righteousness, and spiritual perfection. This is a progressive process of sanctification, where believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ, reflecting God's character. It signifies a divine invitation to share in the divine life, a profound privilege and responsibility.
Beyond these central themes, the word also highlights:
* **Divine Provision:** The repeated use for "taking food" (e.g., [[Acts 2:46]], [[Acts 27:33-34]]) subtly underscores the divine provision for physical life, reminding us that all sustenance ultimately comes from God.
* **Moral Responsibility:** The usage in [[1 Timothy 5:13]] serves as a warning, indicating that participation in negative behaviors like gossip is a conscious act that carries moral implications.
### Summary
μεταλαμβάνω (metalambánō, `{{G3335}}`) fundamentally means "to take a share of," "to participate in," or "to receive a portion." Derived from μετά (meta) and λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`), it denotes an active reception and appropriation of something, whether physical or abstract. Its biblical occurrences range from the literal act of "taking food" for sustenance ([[Acts 2:46]], [[Acts 27:33-34]]) to profound theological concepts. Most significantly, it describes Christ's full "partaking" in human flesh and blood, establishing the reality of His Incarnation and its necessity for atonement ([[Hebrews 2:14]]). It also articulates the believer's call to "partake" in God's holiness through divine discipline, emphasizing the process of sanctification ([[Hebrews 12:10]]). While closely related to other terms of sharing like μετέχω (metéchō, `{{G3348}}`) and κοινωνία (koinonía, `{{G2842}}`), μεταλαμβάνω often highlights the active step of receiving or taking a portion, underscoring both divine initiative in offering and human responsibility in responding.
TRV