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.
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.
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.
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.
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