### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσλαμβάνω (proslambánō, `{{G4355}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to, toward, in addition to," and the verb λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`), meaning "to take, seize, or receive." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "to take to oneself," "to take in addition," or "to take toward oneself."
Its semantic range in the New Testament is multifaceted:
1. **To take food or nourishment:** Implies partaking of sustenance for physical well-being.
2. **To take someone aside:** Suggests drawing a person near for a private conversation, often with an intention to advise, rebuke, or influence.
3. **To receive or welcome:** Denotes admitting someone into fellowship, hospitality, or friendship, often with an emphasis on acceptance and inclusion.
4. **To take courage or strength:** Metaphorically, to gather or draw fortitude to oneself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of προσλαμβάνω in the New Testament illuminates its various nuances:
* **Matthew 16:22** and **Mark 8:32**: In these parallel accounts, Peter "took" Jesus aside (προσλαβόμενος) to rebuke Him after Jesus foretold His suffering. Here, the verb signifies a physical act of drawing someone near for a private, often confrontational, conversation. It highlights Peter's misguided attempt to dissuade Jesus from His divine mission.
* **Acts 18:27**: Apollos was "received" (προσελάβετο) by the disciples in Achaia. This indicates a warm welcome into their fellowship and support for his ministry, suggesting a readiness to embrace and affirm a fellow worker in the gospel.
* **Acts 27:33, 36**: Paul urges the sailors and soldiers to "take some food" (προσλαμβάνειν τροφῆς) and later, they all "took food" (προσελάβοντο τροφῆς). This usage is literal, referring to the act of eating for sustenance, especially in a moment of distress and need for strength during a perilous sea journey. The context emphasizes the practical necessity of nourishment for survival.
* **Acts 28:2**: The inhabitants of Malta "received" (προσελάβοντο) Paul and his companions with unusual kindness after their shipwreck. This signifies an act of hospitality, providing shelter and warmth to strangers in distress, demonstrating compassion and welcome.
* **Romans 14:1**: Paul instructs believers to "receive" (προσλαμβάνεσθε) the one who is weak in faith, but not to quarrel over disputable matters. This is a crucial theological application, urging the stronger believers to welcome and accept those with differing convictions regarding non-essential practices (like dietary laws or observance of days) without judgment or condemnation. It's a call to forbearance and unity.
* **Romans 15:7**: Building on the previous chapter, Paul exhorts, "Therefore receive (προσλαμβάνεσθε) one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God." This verse elevates the command to mutual reception, grounding it in Christ's own inclusive act of receiving humanity. It underscores the imperative for believers to imitate Christ's love and acceptance within the community of faith.
* **Philemon 1:17**: Paul appeals to Philemon, "If you consider me a partner, receive (προσλαβοῦ) him [Onesimus] as you would receive me." This is a powerful plea for reconciliation and restoration, asking Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ, treating him with the same honor and acceptance Philemon would show Paul himself.
### Related Words & Concepts
προσλαμβάνω is closely related to its root verb, λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`), which broadly means "to take" or "to receive." The prefix πρός adds the nuance of "to oneself," "in addition," or "towards," intensifying the sense of active reception or appropriation.
Other related Greek words and concepts include:
* δέχομαι (dechomai, `{{G1209}}`): "to receive, accept, welcome." While often used synonymously with προσλαμβάνω in contexts of hospitality and acceptance, προσλαμβάνω can imply a more active "taking to oneself" or drawing someone into one's sphere, whereas δέχομαι can be a more passive acceptance.
* φιλοξενία (philoxenia, `{{G5381}}`): "love of strangers, hospitality." The act of προσλαμβάνω often embodies this virtue, particularly in the contexts of welcoming others into one's home or community.
* κοινωνία (koinonia, `{{G2842}}`): "fellowship, communion." The act of προσλαμβάνω fosters and strengthens κοινωνία by promoting mutual acceptance and unity among believers.
* Concepts of **unity**, **forbearance**, **reconciliation**, **hospitality**, and **sustenance** are all deeply intertwined with the meaning and application of προσλαμβάνω.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of προσλαμβάνω is most pronounced in Paul's epistles, particularly Romans. Here, the word transcends a mere act of physical reception to become a foundational principle for Christian communal life.
* **Theological Imperative for Christian Unity:** In [[Romans 14:1]] and [[Romans 15:7]], προσλαμβάνω serves as a command for believers to actively welcome and accept one another, especially those with differing convictions on non-essential matters. This is crucial for maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, preventing division over disputable issues. It calls for a generous, non-judgmental attitude towards fellow believers, prioritizing love and acceptance over rigid adherence to personal preferences.
* **Imitation of Christ's Reception:** The pinnacle of its theological significance is found in the exhortation, "receive one another, just as Christ also received us" [[Romans 15:7]]. This statement grounds human mutual reception in the divine precedent of Christ's own gracious act. Christ received humanity, despite its sin and weakness, into His fellowship and salvation. Therefore, believers are called to extend the same unconditional, inclusive love and acceptance to one another, reflecting the very character of God. This reception is "to the glory of God," indicating that such unity and love bring honor to the Father.
* **Practical Love and Reconciliation:** In the context of Philemon, προσλαμβάνω becomes a powerful word for reconciliation and restoration. Paul's appeal to Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself underscores the transformative power of Christian love to bridge social divides and heal broken relationships, treating all believers as equals in Christ.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** While less overtly theological, the physical act of "taking food" (Acts 27) can be seen as a metaphor for the necessary spiritual nourishment provided by God, and the importance of partaking in the means of grace for spiritual strength and perseverance in times of trial.
### Summary
προσλαμβάνω (proslambánō, `{{G4355}}`) is a rich and dynamic Greek verb meaning "to take to oneself" or "to receive." Its semantic range encompasses the literal act of taking food for sustenance, the interpersonal act of drawing someone aside for a private conversation, and the profound theological act of welcoming and accepting others into fellowship. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's letters, προσλαμβάνω becomes a foundational principle for Christian community. It mandates the active, non-judgmental reception of fellow believers, especially those with differing convictions, thereby fostering unity and preventing division. Crucially, this mutual reception is modeled after Christ's own gracious act of receiving humanity, making the word a powerful call to imitate Christ's inclusive love and to embody practical reconciliation within the body of Christ for the glory of God.
TRV