προσλαμβάνω

I take to myself, welcome

Definition

The verb προσλαμβάνω (proslambanō) carries the core idea of taking someone or something to oneself, often with a sense of personal involvement or care. In its most common sense, it means to welcome or receive someone kindly, as seen when the Maltese islanders 'received' Paul and his shipwrecked companions (Acts 28:2). It can also mean to take someone aside privately for instruction or correction, as Priscilla and Aquila did with Apollos (Acts 18:26). In a more physical sense, it means to take or partake of food, as Paul urged the sailors to do for their survival (Acts 27:33-34, 36).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 13 times in the New Testament, primarily in the narrative books of Acts (8 times) and the Gospels (3 times). In Acts, it often describes acts of hospitality, rescue, or private instruction (Acts 17:5; 18:26; 27:33-36; 28:2). In the Gospels, it is used when Peter takes Jesus aside to rebuke him (Matthew 16:22; Mark 8:32), showing its use for a private, earnest conversation. The pattern shows it is an action verb describing personal, intentional engagement—whether for sustenance, safety, teaching, or fellowship.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from πρό (pro), meaning 'before' or 'to,' and λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983), a common verb meaning 'I take, receive, or grasp.' The prefix προσ- (pros) adds a nuance of drawing something toward oneself or for one's own benefit. Thus, προσλαμβάνω intensifies the basic act of 'taking' to imply a personal, deliberate acceptance or appropriation.

Semantic Range

This word enriches our understanding of Christian community and discipleship. Its usage in Acts models the early church's practical love and hospitality, literally 'taking in' strangers and fellow believers. The act of taking someone aside for instruction (Acts 18:26) reflects a gentle, personal method of discipleship and correction. When Paul urges the sailors to 'take some food' (Acts 27:34), it highlights God's provision and care in crisis. Understanding this Greek term shows that faith involves active, personal engagement—welcoming others, teaching truth in love, and trusting God's provision—all as intentional acts of drawing others toward grace and sustenance.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, hospitality (philoxenia) was a crucial social and religious virtue. To 'welcome' or 'receive' (proslambanō) a stranger, as in Acts 28:2, often carried obligations of protection and provision, reflecting a deep cultural code. The act of taking someone aside privately, as in Acts 18:26, respected social boundaries and avoided public shaming, allowing for respectful correction. The shared meal in Acts 27:33-36 was not just about nutrition but a communal act that restored hope and solidarity in a life-threatening situation, a culturally significant gesture of care.

δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209) — a more general term for receiving or accepting, often without the same personal, active connotation of drawing toward oneself. ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambanō, G618) — means to receive back or get what is due, focusing on recovery or recompense rather than personal welcome. παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō, G3880) — means to take along with, receive by transmission, or accept teaching, often used for receiving tradition or companionship.

Word Details

Scripture References