προσδέχομαι

I expect, welcome, accept

Definition

The verb προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai) carries three primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it means to 'wait for' or 'expect' something, often with a sense of anticipation, as seen in Luke 2:25 where Simeon was 'waiting for' the consolation of Israel. Second, it means to 'receive' or 'welcome' someone, implying hospitality and acceptance, as when the Pharisees criticized Jesus for 'welcoming' sinners (Luke 15:2). Third, it can mean to 'accept' or 'look for' something, particularly in the context of future hope, such as the resurrection that Paul 'looked for' (Acts 24:15).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 14 times, primarily in Luke-Acts (9 times) and Mark. It appears in narrative contexts describing people awaiting God's promises (Luke 2:25, 38) or the Messiah's return (Luke 12:36). It also describes receiving people socially or hospitably (Luke 15:2; Acts 23:21). In Mark 15:43 and Luke 23:51, Joseph of Arimathea is described as one who was 'waiting for' the kingdom of God, linking personal expectation with action.

Etymology

Derived from πρό (pro, 'before' or 'toward') and δέχομαι (dechomai, 'to receive' or 'accept'). The compound suggests receiving someone or something that has come near or is expected. The root δέχομαι is common, but the prefix προσ- adds a nuance of personal, directed reception or anticipation.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects personal faith with active, expectant waiting for God's promises. It describes the posture of faithful individuals like Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25, 38), who awaited the Messiah, embodying the hope of Israel. In eschatology, it describes the Christian hope for the resurrection (Acts 24:15) and the Lord's return (Luke 12:36), emphasizing that genuine faith involves both patient expectation and a welcoming acceptance of God's work.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'receiving' someone (προσδέχομαι) often implied welcoming them into one's home, a key aspect of hospitality. This cultural practice of receiving guests underlies its use for accepting people like sinners (Luke 15:2). The sense of 'expecting' was also tied to Jewish messianic hope, where faithful individuals actively awaited God's redemptive intervention.

ἀναμένω (anamenō, G362) — to wait for, often more general; προσδοκάω (prosdokaō, G4328) — to expect or look for, with a stronger sense of anticipation; δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209) — to receive or accept, without the prefix's directional nuance.

Word Details

Scripture References