εἰσδέχομαι

I welcome in

Definition

The verb εἰσδέχομαι means to welcome someone in, to receive them into one's home or company, or to admit them. It carries a strong sense of active, intentional acceptance, often implying hospitality and the opening of one's personal space to another. In its single New Testament occurrence in 2 Corinthians 6:17, it is used in a quotation from the Old Testament (Isaiah 52:11) with a divine command: God promises to welcome in (εἰσδέχομαι) those who separate themselves from impurity. This frames the action not just as social reception but as a covenantal act of divine acceptance.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 6:17. The context is Paul's exhortation for believers to be separate from unbelievers and unclean things. He quotes the Lord saying, 'and I will welcome you in' (καὶ εἰσδέξομαι ὑμᾶς). Here, the usage is theological and relational, describing God's promised action of receiving a purified people unto Himself. There are no other usage patterns in the NT to compare.

Etymology

Eἰσδέχομαι is a compound verb formed from the preposition εἰς (eis), meaning 'into' or 'in,' and the common verb δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209), which means 'to receive,' 'accept,' or 'welcome.' The prefix εἰς intensifies the root idea, specifying reception *into* a place or relationship. It is a more specific and vivid form of the basic concept of receiving.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures God's promise of intimate acceptance. In 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, the act of 'welcoming in' is directly linked to God becoming a Father to His people. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting that salvation is not merely forensic acquittal but includes being brought into God's presence and family—a personal, welcoming reception. It underscores the relational outcome of holiness and separation.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, hospitality (welcoming someone into your home) was a paramount social and religious virtue. To 'welcome in' a traveler or guest was to offer protection, fellowship, and provision. This cultural backdrop makes God's promise to 'welcome in' His people powerfully relational, evoking the image of a patron or host offering safety and belonging within his household, which was the ultimate social unit.

δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209) — The root verb, a more general term for receiving or accepting without the strong directional sense of 'into.' προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, G4327) — Means to receive to oneself, welcome, or accept; often used for awaiting or receiving someone expectantly (e.g., Luke 15:2). ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai, G588) — To welcome gladly, receive favorably, or accept fully (e.g., Acts 2:41).

Word Details

Scripture References