ὑπολαμβάνω

I take up, receive, answer, suppose, welcome

Definition

The verb ὑπολαμβάνω (hypolambanō) carries a range of meanings in the New Testament, all connected to the idea of 'taking up' or 'receiving.' Its primary sense is to physically take up or receive something, as when the cloud 'took' Jesus up at His ascension (Acts 1:9). It can also mean to welcome or receive someone hospitably, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan where the innkeeper 'took care of' the wounded man (Luke 10:35). In dialogue, it means to answer or reply, as when Simon 'answered' Jesus's question (Luke 7:43). Finally, it can mean to suppose or assume, as the crowd did about the disciples on Pentecost (Acts 2:15).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only four times in the New Testament, appearing in Luke and Acts. Its usage shows a clear pattern of applying a core idea of 'taking up' to different contexts: physical action (Acts 1:9), hospitality (Luke 10:35), verbal response (Luke 7:43), and mental assumption (Acts 2:15). This demonstrates the word's flexibility within narrative and dialogue settings.

Etymology

ὑπολαμβάνω is a compound verb formed from the preposition ὑπό (hypo, meaning 'under' or 'up from under') and the common verb λαμβάνω (lambanō, meaning 'I take' or 'I receive'). Literally, it suggests taking something up from beneath, supporting it, or receiving it. This root idea branches into the various contextual meanings found in the biblical text.

Semantic Range

While not a primary doctrinal term, ὑπολαμβάνω enriches our understanding of key narratives. In Acts 1:9, it describes the physical reality of Christ's ascension, a cornerstone of Christian belief. In Luke 10:35, its use for 'caring for' underscores the practical, costly nature of neighborly love in Jesus's parable. Understanding its range from physical action to mental assumption helps readers see the nuanced ways biblical authors described reception, response, and perception.

The meaning 'to welcome or entertain' (Luke 10:35) is deeply rooted in ancient Mediterranean hospitality codes, where receiving a stranger was a sacred duty. The sense 'to suppose' (Acts 2:15) reflects a common use in Hellenistic Greek for forming an opinion based on available evidence, not unlike modern reasoning.

λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983) — A more general term for 'I take' or 'I receive,' without the nuanced connotations of support or assumption. ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai, G611) — Specifically means 'I answer' in dialogue, whereas ὑπολαμβάνω implies answering as a form of taking up a conversation. δέχομαι (dechomai, G1209) — Often means 'I welcome' or 'I accept,' but lacks the physical 'take up' sense and the meaning of 'suppose.'

Word Details

Scripture References