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G479 · Greek · New Testament
ἀντικαλέω
Antikaleo
Verb
To invite in return

Definition

The Greek verb antikaleo (ἀντικαλέω) means to invite back, to call in return — the social reciprocal of an invitation. It appears once in Luke 14:12, as Jesus teaches about the proper motivation for kingdom generosity.

Usage & Theological Significance

Jesus instructs his host: do not invite those who can repay you — "if you do, they may invite you back (antikaleo) and so you will be repaid." The problem Jesus identifies is the economy of social reciprocity: giving in order to receive. Kingdom generosity inverts this — invite those who cannot return the favor (the poor, crippled, lame, blind), and God will repay at the resurrection. This teaching dismantles transactional religion and calls the believer to pure, God-directed generosity. The reward shifts from the human social network to divine accounting at the last day.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 14:12When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.
Luke 14:13-14But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.
Matthew 5:46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Luke 6:35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Proverbs 19:17Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.

Related Words

External Resources

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