The Greek noun antilepsis means help, support, or assistance — the act of taking hold of someone to aid them. It appears only once in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12:28), listed among the charisms or gifts given to the church.
Antilepsis appears in Paul's great passage on spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:27–30), where God has appointed in the church 'apostles, prophets, teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, leadership, and various kinds of tongues.' The placement of antilepsis among prophecy, healing, and tongues is striking — Paul elevates the practical ministry of assistance to the status of a spiritual gift from God. This challenges any hierarchy that prizes spectacular gifts above the quiet, faithful service of those who help the vulnerable. The word derives from the same root as antilambanō (G482) — the active grasping of another to provide support. In the early church, antilepsis likely referred to organized care for the poor, sick, and widowed — the practical diaconal ministry. James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for orphans and widows, aligning with this gift.