### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **antilambánomai**, represented by `{{G482}}`, is defined as taking hold of something in turn, to succor, or to participate. Its meaning encompasses the concepts of help, support, and being a partaker. This word is derived from ἀντί and the middle voice of λαμβάνω. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, each instance adding a distinct layer to its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G482}}` describes both divine and human action. In Luke's Gospel, it is used to describe God's direct intervention, stating that God "hath holpen{G482} his servant Israel" [[Luke 1:54]]. In Acts, the Apostle Paul uses the word to instruct believers on their responsibilities, teaching that through "labouring{G2872} ye ought to support{G482} the weak{G770}" [[Acts 20:35]]. Finally, in 1 Timothy, it shifts to the idea of participation, describing masters and servants in the faith as "partakers{G482} of the benefit" [[1 Timothy 6:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the scope of `{{G482}}`:
* `{{G2983}}` **lambánō** (to take): As the root word, it means to get hold of something. This foundational action of "taking" is adapted by `{{G482}}` into the concept of taking hold of someone to help them. This is seen when people "received{G2983} him" and were given power to become sons of God [[John 1:12]].
* `{{G770}}` **asthenéō** (to be feeble): This word describes the state of being weak or sick. It is directly linked to `{{G482}}` in the command to "support the weak{G770}" [[Acts 20:35]], identifying those who are the intended recipients of the help.
* `{{G2872}}` **kopiáō** (to work hard): This term means to feel fatigue or to toil. Its use in [[Acts 20:35]] shows that the "support" described by `{{G482}}` is not passive but requires active, strenuous effort on the part of the believer.
* `{{G3816}}` **paîs** (servant): This word can mean a child, slave, or servant, especially one who ministers to God. It is used in [[Luke 1:54]] to identify Israel as the "servant{G3816}" whom God has "holpen{G482}," establishing a context of divine aid to God's chosen people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G482}}` is demonstrated in its application to God's character and the church's conduct.
* **Divine Intervention:** The word underscores God's active role in caring for His people. His act of helping Israel is not a distant wish but a direct "taking hold" to provide aid and remember His mercy, as shown in Luke's account [[Luke 1:54]].
* **Christian Responsibility:** `{{G482}}` establishes a model for life within the church. Believers are not only to be recipients of God's help but are also called to be agents of it, actively laboring to support the feeble and vulnerable in their community [[Acts 20:35]].
* **Shared Participation in Grace:** The term's use as "partaker" highlights the mutual nature of the Christian experience. Believers are joined together as common participants in the "benefit" of God's grace, which should inform their relationships with one another [[1 Timothy 6:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G482}}` provides a rich theological concept that moves from simple assistance to active, participatory support. It connects the merciful intervention of God on behalf of His servants with the practical, effort-filled duty of believers to care for one another. Through its few uses, the word illustrates a core tenet of the faith: that those who have been helped by God are called to become helpers themselves.
TRV