ἀναδέχομαι

I welcome, receive kindly, undertake

Definition

The verb ἀναδέχομαι (anadechomai) carries two primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it means 'to welcome or receive kindly,' as seen when Publius, a leading citizen of Malta, 'welcomed' Paul and his shipwrecked companions into his home (Acts 28:7). Second, it means 'to undertake or assume a responsibility,' which is its sense in Hebrews 11:17, where Abraham is described as having 'undertaken' to offer Isaac, framing his obedience as a weighty, accepted duty. Both senses involve a deliberate and gracious act of acceptance, whether of persons or of a task.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts that illustrate its dual meanings. In Acts 28:7, it describes the hospitable reception of strangers, fitting the narrative of travel and mission. In Hebrews 11:17, it is used in a theological reflection on faith, describing Abraham's acceptance of God's profound and difficult command. Its rarity suggests it was chosen for specific, weighty instances of reception or undertaking.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana, often 'up' or 'again') and the verb δέχομαι (dechomai, 'to receive, accept'). The prefix ἀνά can intensify the root meaning, giving a sense of 'receiving readily' or 'taking up.' Thus, ἀναδέχομαι implies an active, willing acceptance, whether of people or obligations, going beyond simple reception.

Semantic Range

This word enriches our understanding of faith and hospitality. In Hebrews 11:17, Abraham's 'undertaking' of God's command is not passive but an active embrace of a divine responsibility, highlighting the volitional aspect of faithful obedience. In Acts 28:7, the gracious 'welcoming' of Paul by Publius can be seen as an instrument of God's providence, enabling the continuation of the gospel mission. Understanding this Greek term reveals faith and hospitality as active, intentional postures of acceptance toward God and others.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, hospitality (ξενία, xenia) was a sacred social duty, especially toward travelers. Publius's act of 'welcoming' (Acts 28:7) would have been understood as a significant virtue and a marker of social status. The 'undertaking' of a duty, as with Abraham, carried a strong sense of personal honor and commitment to one's word or a divine charge, concepts deeply embedded in the honor-shame culture of the time.

δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209) — a more general term for 'to receive or accept,' without the connotation of ready willingness or undertaking. ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai, G588) — means 'to welcome gladly' or 'receive with approval,' closer in sense to the hospitable meaning but with a focus on the welcoming attitude. προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, G4327) — means 'to await, expect, or receive,' often used for awaiting a promise or person, differing in its forward-looking aspect.

Word Details

Scripture References