### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambánō), Strong's `{{G618}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or indicating separation and completion, and the verb λαμβάνω (lambánō), meaning "to take" or "to receive." This combination yields a nuanced semantic range. At its core, ἀπολαμβάνω signifies "to receive back," "to receive in full," or "to receive what is due," often implying a complete or definitive reception. The prefix ἀπό can intensify the action of receiving, suggesting the completion of a transaction or the full realization of an outcome.
Beyond this primary sense of receiving, the word also carries two distinct, yet related, meanings:
1. **To receive as a host:** This denotes the act of welcoming or entertaining someone, particularly a guest, implying a full and complete reception into one's presence or home.
2. **To take aside:** In this usage, the ἀπό prefix emphasizes separation, indicating the action of taking someone away from a group for a private conversation or interaction.
Thus, ἀπολαμβάνω encompasses concepts of recompense, recovery, hospitality, and private engagement, all rooted in the idea of a complete or specific act of taking or receiving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀπολαμβάνω appears in various contexts within the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Receiving Back/Recompense (Positive):**
* In [[Luke 6:34]], Jesus challenges his disciples regarding lending, asking "if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back" (ἀπολαμβάνειν). Here, it refers to the expectation of repayment.
* [[Luke 18:30]] speaks of those who have left everything for the sake of the kingdom of God, proclaiming that they "will not receive many times more in this present age" (ἀπολάβῃ). This signifies a divine reward or blessing that far exceeds their sacrifice.
* [[Colossians 3:24]] assures believers that "from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward" (ἀπολήμψεσθε), emphasizing the certainty and fullness of their future divine recompense.
* Similarly, [[2 John 1:8]] urges believers to "look to yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward" (ἀπολάβητε), highlighting the completeness of the reward.
* [[Galatians 4:5]] describes Christ's mission "that we might receive adoption as sons" (ἀπολάβωμεν), indicating the reception of a profound spiritual status and privilege.
* **Receiving Recompense (Negative/Due Penalty):**
* In [[Luke 23:41]], one of the criminals crucified with Jesus acknowledges, "we are receiving the due reward of our deeds" (ἀπολαμβάνομεν), referring to the just punishment for their actions.
* [[Romans 1:27]] describes those who engage in unnatural acts "receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error" (ἀπολαμβάνοντες), underscoring the concept of a just consequence for sin.
* **Receiving a Person/Hospitality:**
* [[Luke 15:27]], in the parable of the prodigal son, states that the father's celebration is "because he has received him back safe and sound" (ἀπέλαβεν), indicating the joyful reception and restoration of a lost individual.
* [[Acts 28:2]] describes the natives of Malta who "received us all" (ἀπελάβοντο) by showing hospitality to Paul and his companions after their shipwreck. This highlights the welcoming of guests.
* **Taking Aside:**
* [[Mark 7:33]] recounts Jesus "taking him aside from the crowd privately" (ἀπολαβόμενος) to heal a deaf man. This usage denotes a deliberate act of separation for a specific, private purpose.
Across these contexts, ἀπολαμβάνω consistently conveys a sense of a complete or definitive act of receiving, whether it be a payment, a reward, a penalty, a person, or a private audience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀπολαμβάνω is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **λαμβάνω (lambánō) `{{G2983}}`**: As the base word, λαμβάνω simply means "to take, receive." The prefix ἀπό in ἀπολαμβάνω often adds the nuance of "back," "in full," or "what is due," distinguishing it from a mere reception.
* **κομίζω (komízō) `{{G2865}}`**: This verb can also mean "to receive back" or "to get back what is due," particularly in the context of recompense (e.g., [[1 Peter 1:9]], [[Hebrews 10:36]]). While similar in some contexts of receiving a reward or outcome, ἀπολαμβάνω often carries a stronger sense of a complete or final transaction.
* **ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi) `{{G591}}`**: Meaning "to give back, pay back, restore," this verb represents the inverse action of ἀπολαμβάνω, emphasizing the act of rendering what is owed.
* **μισθός (misthos) `{{G3408}}`**: "Wages, reward." This noun frequently appears in contexts where ἀπολαμβάνω is used to describe the reception of a just recompense.
* **κληρονομία (klēronomia) `{{G2817}}`**: "Inheritance." This concept is directly linked to the reception of divine blessings and future rewards, as seen in [[Colossians 3:24]].
The concepts intertwined with ἀπολαμβάνω include divine justice, recompense (both positive and negative), grace, restoration, and hospitality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀπολαμβάνω is profound, touching upon core doctrines of divine justice, human responsibility, and God's gracious provision.
* **Divine Recompense and Justice:** The frequent use of ἀπολαμβάνω in contexts of receiving "due reward" or "due penalty" (e.g., [[Luke 23:41]], [[Romans 1:27]]) underscores God's unwavering justice. It affirms that actions, whether righteous or unrighteous, have consequences that are fully and completely rendered by God. This speaks to the moral order of the universe upheld by a righteous God who "will repay each person according to what they have done" ([[Romans 2:6]]).
* **God's Gracious Provision and Inheritance:** In passages like [[Colossians 3:24]] and [[Galatians 4:5]], ἀπολαμβάνω highlights the believer's reception of an inheritance and adoption as sons. This is not merely a payment for services rendered, but a gracious gift that fully integrates believers into God's family and promises them a complete share in His eternal blessings. It emphasizes the fullness of God's redemptive work and His lavish generosity.
* **Ethical Implications for Believers:** The teaching in [[Luke 6:34]] challenges a transactional mindset, urging believers to give without expecting to "receive back" from human sources, thereby trusting in divine recompense. This encourages selfless love and generosity, mirroring God's own character.
* **Restoration and Reconciliation:** The usage in [[Luke 15:27]] concerning the prodigal son's return powerfully illustrates the concept of full reception and restoration. It speaks to God's welcoming embrace of penitent sinners, signifying complete forgiveness and reintegration into His fellowship.
* **Hospitality as a Divine Mandate:** The use in [[Acts 28:2]] to describe the reception of guests reinforces the biblical emphasis on hospitality as a tangible expression of love and welcome, reflecting God's own welcoming nature towards humanity.
In essence, ἀπολαμβάνω paints a picture of a God who fully completes His dealings with humanity, whether in justice, grace, or restoration, and calls His people to likewise engage in full and complete acts of love and hospitality.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambánō), Strong's `{{G618}}`, is a rich term signifying a complete or definitive act of receiving. Its core meaning extends from "receiving back" or "receiving in full" to specifically "receiving what is due"—whether a just reward or a deserved penalty. Beyond this, it also denotes the act of "receiving as a host" (hospitality) and "taking someone aside" for a private interaction.
Biblical occurrences demonstrate this semantic breadth: from the expectation of repayment ([[Luke 6:34]]) and the reception of divine inheritance and adoption ([[Colossians 3:24]], [[Galatians 4:5]]) to the experience of just punishment ([[Luke 23:41]], [[Romans 1:27]]). It also beautifully captures the father's full reception of the prodigal son ([[Luke 15:27]]) and acts of human kindness through hospitality ([[Acts 28:2]]), as well as private counsel ([[Mark 7:33]]).
Theologically, ἀπολαμβάνω highlights God's perfect justice in recompensing all deeds, His boundless grace in granting adoption and inheritance, and His character as a welcoming Father. It also provides ethical instruction for believers regarding selfless giving and the importance of hospitality. The word thus encapsulates a complete and decisive outcome, whether in divine judgment, gracious provision, or human interaction.