### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποδέχομαι (apodéchomai, `{{G588}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apó), signifying "from" or "away from," often with a sense of completion or intensity, and the verb δέχομαι (déchomai, `{{G1209}}`), meaning "to take," "receive," or "accept." The combination of these elements yields a richer, more emphatic meaning than the simple δέχομαι. It conveys the sense of taking fully, receiving with approval, or welcoming gladly. The prefix ἀπό here intensifies the action of receiving, suggesting a complete, unreserved, or hearty acceptance. Its semantic range extends from the physical act of receiving someone into one's presence with warmth and hospitality (to welcome) to the intellectual or emotional act of assenting to an idea or approving of a thing (to accept, to approve). The nuance of "gladly" or "with approval" is central to its meaning, distinguishing it from a mere neutral reception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While relatively infrequent in the New Testament, ἀποδέχομαι (apodéchomai, `{{G588}}`) consistently carries its intensified meaning of hearty reception or approval. It is notably found in the book of Acts, often describing the positive response to the apostles and their message. For instance, when people "received gladly" the word of God, it implies not just hearing, but an eager and willing acceptance, leading to conversion, as seen in contexts like [[Acts 2:41]] (though the specific verb there is δέχομαι, the *sense* of ἀποδέχομαι is implied). A more direct usage can be observed where individuals or groups "gladly received" or "welcomed" the messengers of God, indicating a hospitable and open disposition, as might be found in a passage like [[Acts 28:7]] where Paul and his companions were "kindly received." The term underscores a deliberate, positive choice to embrace what is offered, whether it be a person, a message, or an action. It is never used in a context of passive or reluctant reception; rather, it always denotes a willing, often enthusiastic, acceptance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its root, δέχομαι (déchomai, `{{G1209}}`), which means "to receive" or "to accept." While δέχομαι can also denote a positive reception, ἀποδέχομαι (apodéchomai, `{{G588}}`) adds an element of fullness or gladness, making the acceptance more emphatic. Other related terms include λαμβάνω (lambanō, `{{G2983}}`), which means "to take" or "to receive," often in a more general or neutral sense, and προσλαμβάνω (proslambanō, `{{G4355}}`), "to take to oneself," "to receive," or "to welcome," which shares some semantic overlap with ἀποδέχομαι regarding welcoming. The concept of hospitality (φιλοξενία, philoxenia, `{{G5381}}`) is closely tied to ἀποδέχομαι, as is the idea of faith (πίστις, pistis, `{{G4102}}`) as an active, receptive posture towards God's revelation. Conversely, its antonyms would include verbs signifying rejection, such as ἀποδοκιμάζω (apodokimazō, `{{G593}}`), "to reject," or ἀποστρέφω (apostrephō, `{{G654}}`), "to turn away from."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀποδέχομαι (apodéchomai, `{{G588}}`) lies in its emphasis on the posture of the human heart towards divine truth and God's messengers. To "gladly receive" the word of God implies a profound spiritual openness and humility, a willingness to yield to its authority and embrace its transforming power. This active, positive reception is a hallmark of genuine faith, distinguishing it from mere intellectual assent or passive hearing. Furthermore, the act of "welcoming" God's servants, as conveyed by this word, is portrayed as an act of obedience and love towards God Himself, reflecting the principle that "whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me" [[Matthew 10:40]]. Thus, ἀποδέχομαι encapsulates a responsive faith that actively embraces divine revelation and extends hospitality to those who bear it, fostering both personal transformation and communal fellowship.
### Summary
ἀποδέχομαι (apodéchomai, `{{G588}}`) is a powerful Greek verb that denotes a full, hearty, and glad reception or acceptance. Unlike a neutral reception, it implies approval, warmth, and a positive disposition towards the person or thing being received. In biblical contexts, particularly in the book of Acts, it highlights the eager acceptance of the gospel message and the welcoming of God's messengers. Its theological weight underscores the active and willing nature of true faith, which not only hears but embraces divine truth, and the importance of hospitality as an expression of love for God and His kingdom.
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