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G324 · Greek · New Testament
ἀναδέχομαι
anadechomai
Verb
anadechomai; to receive; to welcome; to accept responsibility

Definition

The Greek verb anadechomai (G324) means to receive up, to accept, to welcome, or to take upon oneself. It appears twice in the New Testament: in Acts 28:7 (Publius "welcomed" Paul and his companions) and Hebrews 11:17 (Abraham "had received" the promises).

The compound ana (up/back) + dechomai (to receive) conveys a willing, active acceptance — not passive reception but embracing something fully.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Acts 28:7, Publius' hospitality toward Paul (and the healing of his father that followed) demonstrates how welcoming God's servant opens a household to God's blessing. In Hebrews 11:17, the word describes Abraham's holding of the promises — he had received them from God and held them with faith even when asked to sacrifice the son through whom they would be fulfilled.

Both uses speak to a posture of open-armed reception: physical hospitality and spiritual faith are both forms of anadechomai. The believer who truly receives God's word does not merely hear it — they embrace its full weight, including the costly promises that may require everything before they are fulfilled.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 28:7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.
Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son.
Hebrews 11:13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
3 John 1:8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

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External Resources

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