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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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