ἀπάντησις

the act of meeting, to meet

Definition

The Greek noun ἀπάντησις (apantēsis) specifically denotes the act of meeting or going out to meet someone, often with a sense of formal reception or encounter. In its New Testament usage, it carries two primary senses. First, it describes a civic custom of a delegation going out to formally welcome and escort an arriving dignitary into a city, as seen when the believers from Rome travel to meet Paul (Acts 28:15). Second, and most significantly, it is used in eschatological contexts for the believer's future meeting with the Lord. In the parable of the ten virgins, the virgins go out for the 'apantēsis' of the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1, 6), and Paul describes the church being caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in Matthew, Acts, and 1 Thessalonians. Its usage consistently involves a movement toward and a formal encounter with an important figure. In Matthew 25:1 and 25:6, it describes the virgins' intended meeting with the bridegroom in a parable about readiness. In Acts 28:15, it depicts a historical event where Christians travel from Rome to meet and escort Paul. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, it is used for the future, glorious event of the church meeting Christ at His return.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀπαντάω (apantaō, G528), meaning 'to meet.' It is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo, often 'from') and a root related to encountering. The noun form emphasizes the act or event of the meeting itself, rather than the action of going to meet.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for understanding biblical eschatology, particularly the doctrine of the Rapture or the Lord's return. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, the phrase 'to meet (eis apantēsin) the Lord in the air' uses terminology from the Greco-Roman custom of a city's dignitaries going out to formally receive and escort a visiting emperor or official back into the city. This enriches the reading by portraying the believer's future union with Christ not as a passive waiting, but as an honored, formal, and joyful reception where the church is ushered into His glorious presence.

In the ancient Hellenistic world, 'apantēsis' was a technical term for the formal ceremony where a delegation would travel outside their city to meet and honor an approaching dignitary or ruler, then escort them back into the city with celebration. This cultural practice provides the essential background for its biblical usage, transforming a simple 'meeting' into a concept of honored reception and accompaniment.

συναντάω (synantaō, G4876) — a more general verb for 'to meet' or 'encounter,' often by chance. ὑπάντησις (hypantēsis, G5222) — a near synonym also meaning 'a meeting,' used in John 12:13 for the crowd going out to meet Jesus.

Word Details

Scripture References