συμπεριλαμβάνω

I embrace completely

Definition

The verb συμπεριλαμβάνω means to embrace or take hold of someone completely, often with a sense of surrounding or enclosing them. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 20:10, it describes Paul's physical action of falling upon and embracing Eutychus after his fall from the window, implying a full, protective, and restorative embrace. The compound nature of the word intensifies the basic idea of taking hold (λαμβάνω), suggesting an action done 'together with' (σύν) and 'all around' (περί), hence a comprehensive encircling. While its usage is limited to this narrative context, the sense is one of immediate, personal, and total involvement with another person in a moment of crisis.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 20:10. It occurs in a narrative context where Paul responds to the apparent death of Eutychus. The usage is physical and dramatic, describing Paul's instinctive act of throwing his arms around the young man. There is no pattern of theological or metaphorical usage elsewhere in the biblical text; its sole appearance serves a vivid descriptive purpose in a historical account.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn, meaning 'with' or 'together'), the preposition περί (peri, meaning 'around'), and the common verb λαμβάνω (lambanō, meaning 'I take' or 'I receive'). Literally, it means 'to take around together.' The compounding adds layers of meaning to the simple act of taking, emphasizing companionship (σύν) and completeness or encirclement (περί). Its root, λαμβάνω, is extremely common, but this specific intensive compound is rare.

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, the action of συμπεριλαμβάνω in Acts 20:10 provides a powerful physical illustration of compassion, immediate intervention, and restorative care within the Christian community. Paul's embrace precedes his declaration that life is still in Eutychus, mirroring how God's compassionate intervention often precedes restoration. It enriches the reading by highlighting the tangible, personal nature of ministry and care demonstrated by the apostles, moving beyond mere words to embodied action.

In the Greco-Roman world, physical gestures like embracing were significant markers of relationship, grief, comfort, and reconciliation. Paul's action of falling upon and embracing Eutychus would have been recognized as a profound gesture of personal identification and urgent care, potentially reminiscent of the actions of prophets like Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17:21; 2 Kings 4:34). It signifies more than a casual hug; it is an act of total engagement with someone in a dire situation.

ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai, G782) — a common greeting meaning to greet, welcome, or embrace affectionately, but less intensive and comprehensive. περιλαμβάνω (perilambanō, G4016) — the root verb meaning to take around, embrace, or comprehend, but without the added connotation of 'together with' (σύν).

Word Details

Scripture References