ἀπόδεκτος

worthy to be received, acceptable, welcome

Definition

The adjective ἀπόδεκτος describes something or someone as 'worthy to be received,' 'acceptable,' or 'welcome.' It carries a sense of being pleasing and agreeable, particularly in the context of being received favorably by God or by others. In 1 Timothy 2:3, it describes God's own favorable view of a specific action—the act of praying for all people—as something 'acceptable' in His sight. In 1 Timothy 5:4, it is used in a human relational context, describing the piety of children or grandchildren caring for their own household as 'acceptable' or 'pleasing' to God.

Biblical Usage

ἀπόδεκτος is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in 1 Timothy. In 1 Timothy 2:3, it modifies the noun 'this' (referring to praying for all people) as being 'acceptable' to God our Savior. In 1 Timothy 5:4, it describes the 'repayment' or pious care shown by descendants to their family as something 'pleasing' to God. Its usage consistently connects human actions with divine approval.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, often meaning 'from') and the verbal adjective δεκτός (dektos, 'acceptable,' 'received'). The compound suggests something that is 'from acceptance' or thoroughly acceptable. It is related to the more common verb δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209), meaning 'to receive' or 'welcome.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it explicitly links human ethical behavior with divine approval. It shows that certain actions, like intercessory prayer (1 Timothy 2:3) and honoring one's family (1 Timothy 5:4), are not merely social duties but are intrinsically 'acceptable' to God. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that these acts are 'worthy to be received' by God Himself, grounding Christian ethics in what pleases our Savior.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of something being 'acceptable' (dektos) often related to offerings made to the gods or conduct approved by societal and philosophical standards. Paul's use of ἀπόδεκτος, especially in family ethics (1 Timothy 5:4), may contrast with cultural norms where neglecting elderly parents was sometimes practiced, instead affirming a distinctly Christian ethic of family care that is pleasing to God.

δεκτός (dektos, G1184) — The simpler adjective for 'acceptable' or 'received,' used in contexts like Luke 4:24 ('no prophet is accepted in his hometown'). ἀπόδεκτος adds a sense of being thoroughly or eminently acceptable. εὐάρεστος (euarestos, G2101) — Means 'well-pleasing' or 'acceptable,' often used for what is pleasing to God (Romans 12:1, 2), with a stronger emphasis on the attitude or quality that makes something pleasing.

Word Details

Scripture References