λῆψις

a receiving

Definition

The Greek noun λῆψις (lēpsis) fundamentally means 'a receiving' or 'the act of receiving.' In its single New Testament occurrence in Philippians 4:15, it refers specifically to the reception of a material gift or financial support. The word implies a formal or acknowledged acceptance of something given. While it appears only once, its meaning is straightforward and aligns with the related verb λαμβάνω (lambanō), which has a broad range of meanings including 'to take,' 'to receive,' or 'to accept.'

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Philippians 4:15. Here, the Apostle Paul uses it to describe the Philippian church's act of receiving him and providing financial support for his ministry when he left Macedonia. The context is one of partnership in the gospel, where 'giving and receiving' (δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως) describes a mutual relationship of material support. Its singular usage limits broader patterns, but it clearly denotes the reception of tangible aid within a ministry context.

Etymology

λῆψις (lēpsis) is a noun derived from the verb λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983), which means 'to take' or 'to receive.' It is formed from the aorist stem (λαβ-) of the verb with the suffix -σις, which typically forms abstract nouns denoting an action or process. Cognates include other nouns like πρόσληψις (proslēpsis, 'acceptance') and the more common verb form. Its meaning development is direct, moving from the general action of taking to the specific concept of receiving.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, λῆψις is theologically significant in its context. In Philippians 4:15, it is paired with 'giving' (δόσις) to frame Christian financial partnership as a sacred, reciprocal exchange within the body of Christ. It underscores that supporting gospel ministry is not a one-way transaction but a mutual 'giving and receiving' that reflects fellowship (κοινωνία). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Paul's gratitude, showing that the Philippians' material aid was formally received and acknowledged as integral to their shared spiritual mission.

In the Greco-Roman world, the language of 'giving and receiving' (δόσις καὶ λῆψις) was commonly used in business and contractual relationships to describe financial transactions and obligations. Paul's use of this commercial terminology in a church context (Philippians 4:15) would have been striking to his original audience. He elevates a common economic phrase to describe the spiritual partnership and mutual care that should characterize Christian community, transforming a secular concept into a picture of gospel-centered generosity.

δόσις (dosis, G1394) — The act of giving; paired with λῆψις in Philippians 4:15 to describe the full cycle of generosity. κοινωνία (koinōnia, G2842) — Fellowship or sharing; the broader spiritual partnership that includes material support. λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983) — The root verb meaning 'to take' or 'to receive'; denotes the action from which λῆψις is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References