ἀπεκδέχομαι

I expect eagerly, wait for eagerly

Definition

The verb ἀπεκδέχομαι means to eagerly await or expect something with anticipation and patience. It conveys a sense of intense, forward-looking hope, often directed toward a future divine promise or event. In Romans 8:19 and 8:23, it describes creation and believers groaning as they eagerly await future redemption and adoption. In other passages, like Philippians 3:20 and Hebrews 9:28, the focus is specifically on the Christian's eager expectation for the return of Christ or salvation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively by Paul and the author of Hebrews, appearing seven times in the New Testament. It consistently describes the Christian's posture of hopeful, patient waiting for God's future acts. Key contexts include the redemption of creation (Romans 8:19-23), the return of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 3:20), and the final salvation (Hebrews 9:28). The usage always implies an active, expectant hope rooted in faith.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'from' or 'away') combined with ἐκδέχομαι (ekdechomai, meaning 'to receive from' or 'await'). The compound intensifies the sense of waiting, suggesting a waiting that comes 'from' or 'out of' a particular situation or hope. It emphasizes a reception or expectation that is focused on something arriving from elsewhere.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the essence of Christian hope—an active, eager anticipation of God's promised future. It underpins key doctrines like the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the body, and the redemption of all creation. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting that biblical hope is not passive wishing but a patient, expectant, and sometimes groaning (Romans 8:23) trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill his promises.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of eager waiting was familiar in contexts like awaiting a military victory, a harvest, or the return of a loved one. For early Christians, this term was infused with their unique eschatological hope, setting their expectation apart from general cultural optimism by rooting it firmly in the person and promise of Jesus Christ.

προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, G4327) — to wait for or receive, often with a sense of welcoming; ἐκδέχομαι (ekdechomai, G1551) — to expect or await, the simpler root without the intensive prefix; ἐλπίζω (elpizō, G1679) — to hope, a broader term for trust and expectation.

Word Details

Scripture References