Brief Overview of δέχομαι (G1209: dechomai)

Dechomai (pronounced DEKH-oh-my) is a Greek verb that primarily means “to receive” or “to accept.” It conveys the idea of taking something or someone with a favorable attitude, often with a sense of welcoming or approval. The term is widely used in the New Testament to express both literal and figurative reception, such as receiving a person, a message, or spiritual truth.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: The verb δέχομαι does not derive from another Greek word but stands on its own.
• Part of Speech: Verb.

Primary Meanings:

• To Receive: The most common use of δέχομαι is to denote the act of receiving something, whether it be a person, an object, or an abstract concept like a message or teaching.
• To Accept or Approve: In addition to mere reception, δέχομαι often implies acceptance or approval, suggesting that the person receiving something does so willingly and with favor.
• To Welcome: The term can also carry the connotation of welcoming, particularly in contexts where hospitality or friendly reception is involved.

Scripture References

1. Matthew 10:40: “He that receiveth (δέχομαι) you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.”
2. Acts 8:14: “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received (δέχομαι) the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.”
3. 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received (δέχομαι) the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) describes δέχομαι as a verb meaning “to receive” or “to accept.” BDAG emphasizes that the term often involves not just the act of receiving but doing so with a positive disposition, implying approval or welcoming. The lexicon notes that δέχομαι is used in various contexts in the New Testament, including receiving a person (as in Matthew 10:40), receiving the word of God (as in Acts 8:14), and accepting spiritual truth (as in 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon supports this understanding, defining δέχομαι as “to receive, take, or accept.” Thayer’s highlights the word’s usage in the New Testament to describe both literal reception (such as receiving a person into one’s home) and figurative reception (such as accepting a message or doctrine). Thayer’s also points out that δέχομαι can imply a sense of readiness or willingness to receive, emphasizing the positive attitude often associated with the term.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary adds further insight, explaining that δέχομαι is often used in the context of hospitality and spiritual reception. Vine’s notes that the term is frequently found in the Gospels and Epistles, where it describes the act of welcoming someone into a home or receiving a message with faith. The dictionary also explores the theological implications of δέχομαι, particularly in relation to the reception of the Gospel and the acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a straightforward definition of δέχομαι as “to receive.” Strong’s highlights the verb’s use across the New Testament, emphasizing its role in conveying the idea of reception, acceptance, and approval. The concordance notes that δέχομαι is often used in contexts where the reception is not just passive but involves a positive response or attitude.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Odyssey”: In the Odyssey, δέχομαι is used to describe the act of receiving a guest or offering hospitality. For example, when Odysseus is welcomed into the home of a host, δέχομαι is used to convey the idea of a warm and hospitable reception.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus employs δέχομαι in his Histories to describe the reception of envoys or gifts by foreign leaders. The term is used to indicate not only the physical act of receiving but also the approval or acceptance of what is being received.
3. Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”: In Oedipus Rex, δέχομαι is used to describe the acceptance of a prophecy or message. The term emphasizes the willingness of the characters to receive and act upon the information provided, highlighting the significance of acceptance in the narrative.

Summary

Dechomai (G1209) is a Greek verb that means “to receive” or “to accept,” often with a positive connotation of approval or welcoming. It is widely used in the New Testament to describe the reception of people, messages, or spiritual truths. The term suggests not only the act of receiving but also a favorable attitude towards what is received. Dechomai plays a significant role in conveying the idea of acceptance and approval in both literal and figurative contexts. The verb also appears in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe hospitality, the acceptance of messages, and the reception of gifts. In summary, dechomai is a key term that underscores the importance of reception, both in the physical and spiritual realms, and highlights the attitude with which something is received.