### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apekdéchomai**, represented by `{{G553}}`, means to **expect fully**. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys an active and eager sense of waiting for a future event, a full expectation for something to come to pass, rather than passive endurance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G553}}` consistently describes an expectant waiting for future redemptive events. Believers are described as those who **look for** the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, from heaven [[Philippians 3:20]]. This waiting is directed toward "the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" [[Romans 8:23]] and "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" [[1 Corinthians 1:7]]. The word is also used to describe the entire creation, which "waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God" [[Romans 8:19]]. This act of waiting is characterized by steadfastness, as stated in [[Romans 8:25]]: "then do we with patience **wait for** it."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nature of this full expectation:
* `{{G1679}}` **elpízō** (to expect or confide): This word for hope is directly connected to the act of waiting. Believers **wait for** what they **hope** for but do not yet see [[Romans 8:25]].
* `{{G1680}}` **elpís** (expectation or confidence): This is often the object of the waiting. In [[Galatians 5:5]], believers **wait for** "the **hope** of righteousness by **faith**."
* `{{G5281}}` **hypomonḗ** (cheerful endurance, constancy): This quality describes how one is to wait. The unseen hope is waited for with **patience** [[Romans 8:25]].
* `{{G602}}` **apokálypsis** (disclosure, coming, revelation): This is the awaited event, such as the "coming" of the Lord Jesus Christ [[1 Corinthians 1:7]] or the "manifestation" of the sons of God [[Romans 8:19]].
* `{{G603}}` **apokaradokía** (intense anticipation): This term emphasizes the posture of waiting. In [[Romans 8:19]], the "earnest expectation" of the creature "waiteth for" the revelation.
* `{{G5302}}` **hysteréō** (to come behind, be deficient, lack): This word is used in contrast, highlighting that while believers are **waiting for** the Lord's coming, they do not "come behind" or **lack** in any spiritual gift [[1 Corinthians 1:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G553}}` is profound, defining a core aspect of the Christian life:
* **Eschatological Hope:** The word frames the believer's life as one of looking forward to a final, future event. This includes **looking for** the Saviour's return [[Philippians 3:20]] and the "redemption of our body" [[Romans 8:23]].
* **Waiting by Faith:** This expectation is not a blind wish but is grounded in **faith** `{{G4102}}` and **hope** `{{G1680}}`. Believers **wait for** the hope of righteousness specifically "by faith" [[Galatians 5:5]].
* **Patient Endurance:** The act of fully expecting requires **patience** `{{G5281}}`. [[Romans 8:25]] explicitly states that what is hoped for but unseen is waited for with patience, indicating a steadfast and persevering stance.
* **Universal Redemption:** The scope of this waiting extends beyond humanity. The "earnest expectation of the creature **waiteth for** the manifestation of the sons of God" [[Romans 8:19]], linking this expectant hope to the renewal of all creation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G553}}` **apekdéchomai** is not a term of passive waiting but one of active, full, and eager expectation. It is a cornerstone of New Testament eschatology, defining the posture of the believer who, by faith and with patience, looks forward to the return of the **Saviour** `{{G4990}}`, the redemption of the body, and the final **revelation** `{{G602}}` of God's sons. This word captures the essence of a life lived in hopeful anticipation of God's promises being completely fulfilled.
TRV