### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παραδέχομαι (paradéchomai, `{{G3858}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (para, 'alongside,' 'near,' 'by') and the verb δέχομαι (dechomai, 'to receive,' 'to accept'). This etymology immediately suggests a nuanced reception: not merely to take, but to receive something or someone *alongside* oneself, implying an intentional act of bringing close or admitting. Its core meaning thus extends beyond simple acquisition to encompass acceptance, admission, and, by implication, a welcoming or even delighted reception. It differs from other 'receive' verbs like λαμβάνω (lambanō, `{{G2983}}`), which often denotes a more general taking or grasping, by emphasizing a deliberate and often favorable posture towards what is received. The semantic range of παραδέχομαι includes: to admit into one's company or presence, to welcome, to accept a teaching or testimony as true, to approve of, or even to receive back, as in the restoration of life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of παραδέχομαι in the New Testament illustrate its rich semantic breadth:
* In [[Acts 15:4]], Paul and Barnabas are described as being "received by the church and the apostles and the elders." Here, παραδέχομαι signifies a warm, official welcome and full acceptance into the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem, acknowledging their ministry and message.
* [[Acts 16:21]] presents the word in a legal and cultural context: "and they proclaim customs that it is not lawful for us who are Romans to accept or practice." The meaning here is to adopt or approve of foreign customs, highlighting a refusal based on legal or cultural prohibition.
* [[Acts 22:18]] records the Lord's warning to Paul: "because they will not accept your testimony about me." In this instance, παραδέχομαι denotes a rejection of a message or witness, implying a refusal to believe or acknowledge the truth of Paul's testimony concerning Christ.
* Tertullus, the orator prosecuting Paul, uses the word in [[Acts 24:3]] to express formal acknowledgment and approval: "we accept it always and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness." This usage conveys a sense of approving recognition for Felix's benefactions.
* In [[Acts 28:7]], Publius, the chief man of Malta, "received us and entertained us hospitably for three days." This clearly means to welcome guests, emphasizing the virtue of hospitality and kindness extended to strangers.
* Perhaps one of the most profound uses is found in [[Hebrews 11:35]], within the great "faith chapter": "Women received back their dead by resurrection." Here, παραδέχομαι signifies a miraculous restoration and acceptance of life back into the living, underscoring the extraordinary power of faith that triumphs over death.
Across these contexts, the common thread is an intentional act of reception—whether welcoming, accepting, approving, or receiving back—often with significant implications for relationships, belief, or divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of παραδέχομαι is enriched by considering its relationship to other Greek terms for "receiving" or "accepting":
* **δέχομαι** (dechomai, `{{G1209}}`): As the base word, δέχομαι is a more general term for receiving, accepting, or taking. The addition of the prefix παρά- in παραδέχομαι emphasizes a reception that is "alongside" or "unto oneself," often implying a more personal, deliberate, or favorable acceptance than the simple act of taking.
* **λαμβάνω** (lambanō, `{{G2983}}`): This verb generally means "to take," "to grasp," or "to get." It can refer to receiving something, but often without the nuance of intentional welcome or approval inherent in παραδέχομαι. One might "take" a gift, but "receive" a guest.
* **ὑποδέχομαι** (hypodechomai, `{{G5264}}`): Meaning "to receive under one's roof," this word specifically denotes hospitality and entertainment, similar to one of the uses of παραδέχομαι in [[Acts 28:7]], but with a more explicit focus on providing lodging.
The concepts closely associated with παραδέχομαι include hospitality, acceptance, belief, approval, and divine restoration. It speaks to the active posture of the receiver, whether human or, indirectly, divine in the context of human actions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παραδέχομαι lies in its emphasis on the nature of reception—both human and divine. It highlights the importance of how individuals and communities respond to truth, to God's messengers, and to one another.
1. **Acceptance of the Gospel and its Messengers**: The word underscores the critical human response to divine revelation. The refusal to "accept" Paul's testimony in [[Acts 22:18]] illustrates the human capacity to reject God's truth. Conversely, the "reception" of Paul and Barnabas by the church in [[Acts 15:4]] signifies the welcoming and affirmation of those who carry the message of Christ. This points to the necessity of a receptive heart for faith and spiritual growth.
2. **Hospitality as a Christian Virtue**: The use in [[Acts 28:7]] directly links παραδέχομαι to the practice of hospitality, a core Christian virtue. It reflects the biblical mandate to welcome strangers and care for those in need, mirroring God's own welcoming nature towards humanity.
3. **The Power of Faith and Divine Intervention**: [[Hebrews 11:35]] is particularly profound, showcasing the ultimate act of "receiving back" the dead through faith. This demonstrates that faith is not merely passive belief but an active posture that can apprehend and experience God's miraculous power, even triumphing over the finality of death. It points to God's sovereign power to restore and renew life.
4. **Discipleship and Adherence**: The word implies a commitment to what is received. To "accept" customs or teachings (as in [[Acts 16:21]]) is to integrate them into one's life. This speaks to the call for disciples to not only hear but also to embrace and live out the teachings of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word παραδέχομαι (paradéchomai, `{{G3858}}`) conveys a nuanced meaning of "to receive" that goes beyond simple acquisition, emphasizing an intentional, often favorable, and personal acceptance. Derived from παρά (para) and δέχομαι (dechomai, `{{G1209}}`), it signifies admitting, welcoming, approving, or receiving back. Its biblical occurrences illustrate its application in diverse contexts: from the communal acceptance of apostles and the practice of hospitality to the legal acceptance of customs and the profound spiritual act of receiving testimony or even life restored from death. Theologically, παραδέχομαι illuminates the vital human response of receptivity to God's truth and messengers, underscores the virtue of hospitality, and powerfully demonstrates the capacity of faith to apprehend divine intervention, even in the face of death. It calls believers to a posture of open and intentional reception of God's will and His people.
TRV