### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **metalambánō**, represented by `{{G3335}}`, means to participate, accept, or use. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, with translations including **eat**, **have**, **be partaker**, **receive**, and **take**. The word conveys the act of actively taking a share of something, whether it is physical sustenance or a spiritual quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3335}}` describes both tangible and intangible reception. In the context of the early church, believers would gather and "**eat** their meat with gladness" [[Acts 2:46]], illustrating fellowship and physical sustenance. Similarly, Paul urged the sailors on his ship to "**take** meat" for their survival [[Acts 27:33]]. On a spiritual level, the term is used to describe how the productive earth "**receiveth** blessing from God" [[Hebrews 6:7]] and how believers, through discipline, become "**partakers** of his holiness" [[Hebrews 12:10]]. It is also used to signify receiving the reward of one's work, as when the husbandman is the first "**partaker** of the fruits" [[2 Timothy 2:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context in which one partakes or receives:
* `{{G4355}}` **proslambánō** (to take to oneself, i.e. use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality):--receive, take (unto)): This word is used alongside `{{G3335}}` to emphasize the act of taking food. In [[Acts 27:33]], the people had continued fasting, having "**taken** nothing."
* `{{G3811}}` **paideúō** (to train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment):--chasten(-ise), instruct, learn, teach): This word describes the process that enables participation in holiness. Believers are "**chastened**" by God so that they might be partakers of His holiness [[Hebrews 12:10]].
* `{{G2806}}` **kláō** (a primary verb; to break (specially, of bread):--break): This action often precedes the partaking of a meal. The early believers were described as "**breaking** bread from house to house" before they would eat their meat [[Acts 2:46]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3335}}` is significant, highlighting the connection between action and reception in the life of a believer.
* **Fellowship and Provision:** The act of partaking in food is linked to communal life and God's provision. The early believers' shared meals demonstrated their unity and gladness of heart [[Acts 2:46]].
* **Sanctification through Discipline:** The term is central to understanding spiritual growth. To be a "**partaker** of his holiness" is the express goal of God's fatherly chastening, framing discipline as a loving, transformative process [[Hebrews 12:10]].
* **The Principle of Fruitfulness:** The word connects labor with its reward. The husbandman who labors is the first to be a "**partaker** of the fruits" [[2 Timothy 2:6]], and the earth that brings forth herbs "**receiveth** blessing" [[Hebrews 6:7]], establishing a spiritual principle that faithful work yields a rightful share.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3335}}` is a dynamic word that encompasses more than simple reception. It illustrates a core biblical concept: active participation. Whether eating a meal in fellowship, receiving the fruit of one's labor, or partaking in God's own holiness through discipline, the word shows that blessing and sustenance are things to be actively taken and shared.
TRV