κομίζω

I bring, receive, recover

Definition

κομίζω is a versatile verb meaning 'to bring, carry, or convey' in its active voice, as seen when the woman brings an alabaster flask to Jesus in Luke 7:37. In its middle voice, it shifts to mean 'to receive back, recover, or obtain,' often implying receiving something due, such as a reward, repayment, or promise. For example, in Matthew 25:27, it refers to receiving back money with interest, while in Hebrews 10:36 and 11:39, it describes receiving what was promised by God. Thus, the word encompasses both the act of delivering and the experience of receiving what is rightfully one's own.

Biblical Usage

κομίζω appears 11 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and Hebrews. In the active voice, it describes physically bringing something (Luke 7:37). In the middle voice, it often relates to receiving rewards or consequences, especially in eschatological contexts: believers receive back what is due for their deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10, Ephesians 6:8, Colossians 3:25) or receive God's promises (Hebrews 10:36, 11:19, 11:39). This pattern highlights a theme of divine recompense and fulfillment.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root κομιδ-, related to caring for or managing, κομίζω originally meant 'to take care of' or 'to provide.' Over time, it broadened to include conveying and receiving. It is cognate with words like κομψός (neat, elegant) and shares a root with κομέω (to tend), reflecting its origins in the idea of handling or managing something responsibly.

Semantic Range

κομίζω is theologically significant as it underscores the biblical principle of divine justice and reward. In its middle voice, it emphasizes that believers will 'receive back' according to their works (2 Corinthians 5:10), reinforcing doctrines of judgment and eternal reward. It also connects to faith and patience in awaiting God's promises (Hebrews 10:36, 11:39), enriching our understanding of hope and perseverance in the Christian life.

In ancient Greek culture, κομίζω was used in contexts of commerce and law, such as recovering debts or receiving wages, which informs its New Testament usage about receiving what is earned or owed. This cultural backdrop highlights the transactional aspect of reward and consequence, though Scripture elevates this to a spiritual plane where God justly administers outcomes based on faithfulness.

λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983) — a more general term for 'to take' or 'receive,' without the nuance of recovering something due; ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambanō, G618) — means 'to receive back' or 'get in full,' often in legal or repayment contexts, similar to κομίζω but with a stronger sense of receipt.

Word Details

Scripture References