δεκτός

acceptable, accepted

Definition

The adjective δεκτός (dektos) means 'acceptable' or 'accepted,' describing something that is pleasing, welcome, or favorably received. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to what is acceptable to God. In Luke 4:19, Jesus quotes Isaiah, proclaiming 'the year of the Lord's favor' (literally, 'the acceptable year of the Lord'), a time of divine grace and salvation. However, in Luke 4:24, Jesus states that 'no prophet is accepted in his hometown,' using the word in a social sense of being welcomed or received. In Acts 10:35, Peter declares that anyone who fears God and does what is right is 'acceptable to him,' emphasizing God's acceptance of people from all nations.

Biblical Usage

This word is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in Luke, Acts, 2 Corinthians, and Philippians. It is used in two key contexts: first, to describe a divinely appointed time of favor (Luke 4:19, 2 Corinthians 6:2, quoting Isaiah 49:8). Second, it describes a person or offering being acceptable to God (Acts 10:35, Philippians 4:18). In Luke 4:24, it is used in a secular sense of social acceptance. The usage in Acts 10:35 is particularly significant for its universal scope, indicating God's acceptance of Gentiles.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209), meaning 'to receive, welcome, or accept.' The adjective form δεκτός literally means 'received' or 'acceptable.' It shares a root with other words related to reception, such as ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai, G588) 'to welcome gladly' and ὑποδέχομαι (hypodechomai, G5264) 'to receive as a guest.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the themes of divine favor and acceptance. In Luke 4:19 and 2 Corinthians 6:2, 'the acceptable time' points to the era of messianic salvation inaugurated by Jesus. Acts 10:35 reveals that God's acceptance is based on faith and righteousness, not ethnic identity, a cornerstone of the gospel's expansion to the Gentiles. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that God's 'acceptance' is an active, gracious welcome into his favor, not merely a passive reception.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of something being 'acceptable' (dektos) often related to offerings made to deities or the favorable reception of a person by a superior. The Old Testament background, especially the 'year of the Lord's favor' from Isaiah 61:2, which Jesus quotes, refers to the Jubilee year—a time of liberation, restoration, and God's special favor. This cultural concept of a divinely appointed, favorable time would have been familiar to Jesus's Jewish audience.

εὐάρεστος (euarestos, G2101) — emphasizes being well-pleasing, often used of sacrifices or behavior pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). ἀπόδεκτος (apodektos, G587) — means 'acceptable' or 'welcome,' used in 1 Timothy 2:3 and 5:4 for what is pleasing to God.

Word Details

Scripture References