### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **proslambánō**, represented by `{{G4355}}`, means **to take to oneself**. This action can refer to using food, leading someone aside, or admitting a person to friendship or hospitality. It appears **15 times** across **13 unique verses** in scripture, demonstrating its importance in describing both physical and relational acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Bible, `{{G4355}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is a key term for Christian fellowship, commanding believers to **receive** one another, including those who are **weak** in the **faith** [[Romans 14:1]]. This human act of acceptance is modeled on God's own grace, as the text affirms that **God** has **received** the believer [[Romans 14:3]]. The command is powerfully summarized in the instruction to **receive ye one another**, as **Christ** also **received** us [[Romans 15:7]]. The word can also describe taking someone into one's company for instruction, as when Aquila and Priscilla **took** Apollos unto them and **expounded** the way of God more perfectly [[Acts 18:26]]. In a negative sense, it is used when unbelieving Jews **took unto them** lewd fellows to start an **uproar** [[Acts 17:5]]. On a literal level, it refers to taking nourishment, as when Paul urged his shipmates to **take** some **meat** for their **health** [[Acts 27:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{G4355}}`:
* `{{G240}}` **allḗlōn** (one another): This term defines the reciprocal nature of the action. It is frequently paired with commands for mutual care within the community, such as the call to love **one another** [[John 13:34]] and to **receive** **one another** [[Romans 15:7]].
* `{{G1848}}` **exouthenéō** (despise, set at nought): This word represents the direct opposite of receiving someone. In the context of Christian liberty, believers are warned not to **despise** the one whom God has **received** [[Romans 14:3]].
* `{{G2844}}` **koinōnós** (partner, companion): This word highlights a shared fellowship that serves as the basis for reception. Paul appeals to this relationship when asking Philemon to **receive** Onesimus as he would a **partner** [[Philemon 1:17]].
* `{{G5160}}` **trophḗ** (food, meat): This word points to the literal, physical application of `{{G4355}}`. After a long period of fasting at sea, the crew and passengers were encouraged and **took** some **meat** [[Acts 27:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4355}}` is centered on the nature of Christian community and grace.
* **Active Acceptance:** The command to **receive** the weak in **faith** `{{G4102}}` is not passive tolerance but an active welcome into fellowship, moving beyond judgment and disputations [[Romans 14:1]].
* **Divine Example:** The foundation for human acceptance is divine reception. Believers are to **receive** each other because **Christ** has first **received** them, an act that brings **glory** `{{G1391}}` to **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Romans 15:7]]. This transforms hospitality into a spiritual discipline.
* **Intentional Association:** The word implies a purposeful act of taking someone into one's circle. This can be for discipleship [[Acts 18:26]], misguided correction [[Matthew 16:22]], or even for harm [[Acts 17:5]], showing that the intent behind the association is critical.
* **Tangible Care:** The use of `{{G4355}}` for taking **food** `{{G5160}}` and for showing **kindness** `{{G5363}}` demonstrates that spiritual reception should be accompanied by practical care for others' physical well-being ([[Acts 27:34]], [[Acts 28:2]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4355}}` is a multifaceted word that bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual. It encompasses the simple act of taking food, the social dynamic of choosing associates, and the profound theological command to welcome others into fellowship. More than just a word for hospitality, it is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, grounding the community's life in the welcoming grace of God and providing a clear command for how believers should treat one another.
TRV