from παρά and λαμβάνω; to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn:--receive, take (unto, with).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō, `{{G3880}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (pará), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "from," and the verb λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`), meaning "to take" or "to receive." This etymology reveals its core semantic range: "to take alongside," "to receive from," or "to take to oneself."
Its meaning extends beyond mere physical reception to encompass various nuances:
1. **To take someone with oneself:** Implies inviting, associating, or accompanying another, often into a close or significant relationship or activity. This can denote selection for a specific purpose or shared experience.
2. **To receive something:** This can refer to receiving an object, a message, a tradition, or instruction. When applied to traditions or teachings, it emphasizes the authoritative transmission and acceptance of what has been handed down.
3. **To assume an office or responsibility:** Less common, but implied in contexts where one "takes up" a role.
4. **To take a wife:** Specifically used in the context of marriage, signifying the act of accepting a woman as one's spouse.
The prefix παρά often adds the nuance of proximity, origin (receiving *from* someone), or even a sense of taking something *alongside* something else. Thus, παραλαμβάνω often implies a more active, intentional, or intimate reception than λαμβάνω `{{G2983}}` alone, or a more formal reception than δέχομαι `{{G1209}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Παραλαμβάνω appears frequently in the New Testament, with its meaning shaped by the immediate context:
* **Taking someone into close association:**
* In the Gospels, Jesus frequently παραλαμβάνω (takes with him) specific disciples for intimate experiences. For example, in the Transfiguration account, Jesus παραλαμβάνω Peter, James, and John to a high mountain apart [[Matthew 17:1]], denoting a privileged selection for a profound revelation. Similarly, in Gethsemane, he παραλαμβάνω the same three disciples to share in his agony [[Matthew 26:37]]. This highlights the concept of discipleship as a call to intimate companionship and shared experience, even suffering.
* Joseph παραλαμβάνω Mary as his wife, signifying his acceptance and commitment to her despite the challenging circumstances of her miraculous conception [[Matthew 1:20]], [[Matthew 1:24]]. This is not merely "taking" but "taking to oneself" in a covenantal relationship.
* **Receiving tradition or instruction:**
* Paul uses παραλαμβάνω to emphasize the authoritative transmission of Christian teaching. In 1 Corinthians, he states, "For I παραλαμβάνω from the Lord what I also delivered to you" concerning the institution of the Lord's Supper [[1 Corinthians 11:23]]. This underscores the divine origin and apostolic fidelity of the tradition.
* Again, in 1 Corinthians, he reminds them of the gospel "which you παραλαμβάνω" [[1 Corinthians 15:1]], stressing their initial reception and continued adherence to its core truths.
* In Philippians, Paul exhorts believers to practice "what you have learned and παραλαμβάνω and heard and seen in me" [[Philippians 4:9]]. Here, παραλαμβάνω refers to the active reception and internalization of apostolic teaching and example.
* **Receiving (general or specific items):**
* The term can refer to receiving physical objects, such as when soldiers παραλαμβάνω Jesus into the Praetorium [[Matthew 27:27]] or when Pilate παραλαμβάνω Jesus to question him [[John 19:1]].
* In Mark 7:4, it refers to the Pharisees' tradition of παραλαμβάνω (receiving) certain washings, indicating the adoption of specific practices.
* **Eschatological Context:**
* Jesus speaks of the Father παραλαμβάνω believers to Himself, particularly in the context of eternal dwelling: "I will come again and παραλαμβάνω you to myself, that where I am you may be also" [[John 14:3]]. This signifies a profound, personal reception into the divine presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
Παραλαμβάνω is closely related to several other Greek terms, and understanding these relationships clarifies its unique semantic contribution:
* λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`): The root verb, meaning "to take" or "to receive." Παραλαμβάνω adds the nuance of "alongside," "from," or "to oneself," often implying a more deliberate, intimate, or authoritative reception.
* δέχομαι (déchomai, `{{G1209}}`): To receive, welcome, or accept. While often synonymous with λαμβάνω and παραλαμβάνω in general reception, δέχομαι often emphasizes the welcoming or hospitable aspect of receiving, or the acceptance of something offered. Παραλαμβάνω can imply a more active taking or a more formal transmission.
* δίδωμι (dídōmi, `{{G1325}}`): To give. This is the antonym, representing the act of bestowing or handing over, from which something is παραλαμβάνω (received).
* παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi, `{{G3860}}`): To hand over, deliver, or betray. This is the counterpart to παραλαμβάνω in the process of transmission. One παραδίδωμι (hands over) a tradition, and another παραλαμβάνω (receives) it. This highlights the chain of authoritative teaching.
The concept of "tradition" (παράδοσις, paradosis, `{{G3862}}`) is intrinsically linked to παραλαμβάνω, as traditions are "handed down" (παραδίδωμι) and "received" (παραλαμβάνω).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παραλαμβάνω is multi-faceted:
1. **Discipleship and Intimacy:** The repeated use of Jesus παραλαμβάνω his disciples underscores the personal, intentional nature of discipleship. It's not merely following, but being taken into close association, sharing in the Master's life, teachings, and suffering. This act of "taking to oneself" signifies divine election and a call to a deeper, more exclusive relationship with Christ.
2. **Authority and Transmission of Truth:** In the context of apostolic teaching and the Gospel, παραλαμβάνω highlights the authoritative chain of transmission. Paul's emphasis on receiving the Gospel "from the Lord" or "from me" establishes the divine origin and faithful preservation of Christian doctrine. Believers are not inventing truth but receiving and guarding a revealed truth. This grounds the church's teaching in historical, divine revelation.
3. **Covenantal Relationship:** Joseph's παραλαμβάνω of Mary signifies a deep commitment and acceptance within a covenantal framework, reflecting God's own commitment to His people.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** Jesus' promise to παραλαμβάνω his disciples to himself in John 14 offers profound comfort and hope. It speaks of a future, personal reception into the very presence of God, assuring believers of their ultimate destiny and intimate union with Christ. This is the ultimate fulfillment of being "taken alongside" by the Lord.
5. **Human Responsibility:** While God initiates the "taking," human beings have a responsibility to actively "receive" and appropriate the teachings and callings extended to them. This involves not just passive acceptance but active engagement and obedience.
### Summary
Παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō, `{{G3880}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to take alongside," "to receive from," or "to take to oneself." Its core meaning emphasizes an active, intentional, and often intimate reception. In the New Testament, it signifies Jesus' selective call to discipleship and close association, the authoritative transmission and faithful reception of apostolic teaching and the Gospel, and the profound act of taking someone into a covenantal relationship (like Joseph taking Mary). Theologically, it underscores the intimacy of divine calling, the authority and continuity of Christian truth, and the eschatological hope of being received into God's presence. Its usage highlights both divine initiative in calling and human responsibility in receiving and living out the truth.
TRV