Take
A Word of Many Meanings
Few English words carry as many different meanings in Scripture as 'take.' In the Bible, it translates numerous Hebrew and Greek terms, each carrying its own shade of meaning. It can mean to seize or capture, to receive or accept, to carry away, or to select and choose. This versatility makes 'take' one of the most common and important verbs in Scripture, appearing in contexts ranging from everyday actions to the most profound spiritual realities.
Taking as Capture and Conquest
In military and narrative contexts, 'take' frequently means to capture or conquer. Joshua 'took' cities during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:39). Armies 'took' prisoners in battle (Genesis 14:14). This usage extends metaphorically: God 'takes' the wise in their own craftiness (Job 5:13). Even Jesus was at risk of being 'taken' by hostile crowds (John 7:30), though no one could seize him until his appointed hour.
Taking as Receiving from God
Some of the most theologically rich uses of 'take' involve receiving something from God. God 'took' Abraham from his homeland to make him a great nation. Elijah was 'taken up' to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Jesus was 'taken up' after his resurrection (Acts 1:9). The bread and cup of communion involve Jesus' command to 'take and eat' (Matthew 26:26). In each case, 'taking' implies a purposeful divine action that reshapes the recipient's destiny.
Taking as Responsibility and Decision
Scripture also uses 'take' in the sense of making a deliberate choice or assuming responsibility. 'Take advice' in the Old Testament means to reflect carefully (2 Chronicles 25:17). To 'take knowledge of' someone means to thoroughly investigate or learn about them (1 Samuel 23:23). To 'take an oath of' someone means to require a solemn promise (Genesis 50:25). These uses remind readers that biblical characters were constantly making weighty decisions with real consequences.
Taking Away: Death, Judgment, and Mercy
The phrase 'take away' carries particular weight in Scripture. It can mean simply to die, as when Ezekiel warns that a person's life may be 'taken away' (Ezekiel 33:6). It can signify divine judgment, as when Jesus warns 'the kingdom of God will be taken away from you' (Matthew 21:43). Yet it also appears in contexts of mercy: God promises to 'take away' the sins of his people (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 3:5). John the Baptist identifies Jesus as 'the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world' (John 1:29).
Take Up Your Cross
Perhaps the most challenging use of 'take' in the entire Bible comes from Jesus' call to discipleship: 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me' (Matthew 16:24). Here 'take' means a voluntary act of commitment, a willingness to accept suffering for the sake of following Christ. This command transforms 'take' from a passive act of receiving into an active choice of self-sacrifice, defining what it means to be a disciple.
Biblical Context
The word 'take' appears in virtually every book of the Bible. It is used in narratives of conquest (Joshua 10:39), acts of God (2 Kings 2:11), covenant-making (Genesis 50:25), prophetic oracles (Numbers 23:7), Jesus' teaching on discipleship (Matthew 16:24), communion (Matthew 26:26), and salvation (John 1:29). Its frequency reflects the Bible's emphasis on both divine initiative and human response.
Theological Significance
The various meanings of 'take' in Scripture point to fundamental theological realities. God takes the initiative in calling, choosing, and saving his people. Humans are called to take responsibility for their actions and to take up the challenge of faithful living. The command to 'take and eat' at the Lord's Supper encapsulates the gospel: receiving what God freely offers through Christ. Jesus' call to 'take up your cross' defines discipleship as active participation in his mission.
Historical Background
Ancient Hebrew and Greek each had multiple words that English translates as 'take,' and understanding the original language often clarifies the intended meaning. The Hebrew 'laqach' (to take, receive) and 'nasa' (to lift up, carry) appear hundreds of times with different connotations. The Greek 'lambano' (to receive) and 'airo' (to lift up, take away) similarly cover a wide semantic range. Bible translators across centuries have wrestled with conveying these different nuances, as shifts in English usage have sometimes made older translations unclear to modern readers.