παραλαμβάνω

I take, receive

Definition

The verb παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō) fundamentally means 'to take or receive something or someone from another.' It often implies a transfer or acceptance from a source, as when Joseph 'took' Mary as his wife after receiving divine instruction (Matthew 1:20, 24). In a spatial or relational sense, it means 'to take along with' or 'to take to oneself,' such as when the Magi were warned to not return to Herod and 'took' another route (Matthew 2:12), or when Jesus 'took' Peter, James, and John up a high mountain (Matthew 17:1). It also carries the meaning of receiving and accepting instruction or tradition, as seen when Paul says he 'received' from the Lord what he also passed on regarding the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23).

Biblical Usage

Paralambanō is used 50 times in the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the Gospels (especially Matthew) and the Pauline epistles. In narrative contexts, it often describes physically taking someone along (e.g., Matthew 2:13-14, 20-21) or being taken to a location (e.g., Matthew 4:5, 8). In doctrinal passages, it signifies the reception and transmission of authoritative teaching or tradition (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3, Galatians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 4:1). This dual usage highlights both physical accompaniment and the acceptance of spiritual truth.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the preposition παρά (para), meaning 'beside, from, or alongside,' and the common verb λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983), meaning 'to take, receive, or grasp.' Thus, paralambanō intensifies or specifies the act of taking as receiving from a source or taking to be alongside oneself. Its meaning developed from the basic sense of physical taking to include the metaphorical acceptance of teachings or persons.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the transmission of sacred tradition. In passages like 1 Corinthians 11:23 and 15:3, Paul emphasizes that the gospel message was 'received' from the Lord and faithfully passed on, underscoring the chain of divine revelation and apostolic authority. It also illustrates discipleship, as Jesus 'takes' his followers with him into key moments of revelation and testing (Matthew 17:1, 26:37). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intentionality behind receiving both people and truth from God.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'receiving' a teaching or tradition (paralambanō) was central to philosophical and religious education, where students would accept and transmit the doctrines of their teacher. This cultural context illuminates the New Testament's use of the term for apostolic tradition, framing the Christian faith as a body of truth received from Christ and entrusted to faithful witnesses.

λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983) — A more general term for 'to take or receive,' without the specific nuance of receiving from a source or taking alongside. δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209) — Often means 'to welcome or accept,' focusing on the receptive attitude rather than the act of taking. ἀναλαμβάνω (analambanō, G353) — Means 'to take up, lift up, or receive up,' as in the Ascension (Acts 1:2, 11).

Word Details

Scripture References