Lambanō (G2983) means to take, receive, or accept — often with the sense of actively taking hold of what is offered. It appears over 250 times and covers receiving gifts, power, commandments, and the Holy Spirit.
John 1:12 pivots on this word: 'To all who received him (elabon), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.' Receiving Christ is the entry point of salvation. The Spirit is likewise received by faith (Galatians 3:2). Lambanō captures the active, responsive dimension of faith: not passive resignation but deliberate, open-handed reception of divine grace.