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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, delving into Greek terms enriches our understanding of the New Testament, as these words often carry layers of meaning that extend beyond direct translation. The Greek word μετάλημψις (metalēmpsis) appears in the New Testament and is closely tied to the concept of receiving or partaking, often in a communal or spiritual sense. Its significance is emphasized in 1 Timothy 4:3, where it speaks about receiving or partaking of food with thanksgiving, linking the act of eating with a deeper spiritual practice. Understanding this word in its original Greek context reveals much about the early Christian worldview, especially regarding gratitude, sharing, and the sacredness of daily acts like eating.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετάλημψις (metalēmpsis, pronunciation: meh-TAH-leemp-sees)

Etymology: μετάλημψις is derived from the verb μεταλαμβάνω (metalambanō), meaning “to partake” or “to receive,” which itself is composed of the preposition “μετα-” (meta-), meaning “with” or “after,” and “λαμβάνω” (lambanō), meaning “to take” or “to receive.” The noun form μετάλημψις conveys the idea of “reception” or “participation” and often carries the implication of partaking in a communal or significant event.

Part of Speech: μετάλημψις is a noun, specifically a feminine noun. As a noun, it refers to the action or state of receiving or partaking in something. In grammatical terms, it belongs to the third declension of Greek nouns.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: The act of receiving or partaking in something, typically with a sense of gratitude or thankfulness. This meaning is often tied to spiritual or communal contexts, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:3, where μετάλημψις refers to receiving food with thanksgiving.

Meaning 2: Participation in a shared experience or event. In some contexts, μετάλημψις carries the idea of communal participation, such as partaking in a religious ritual or meal.

Meaning 3: Reception or acquisition of something beneficial. This broader definition can apply to the act of receiving not only physical items like food but also intangible benefits such as wisdom or spiritual blessings.

Exploring Similar Words

μεταλαμβάνω (metalambanō, pronounced meh-tah-lahm-BAH-no): The verb form from which μετάλημψις is derived, meaning “to partake” or “to receive.” While μεταλαμβάνω focuses on the action of receiving, μετάλημψις emphasizes the result or state of having received or partaken.

κοινωνία (koinōnia, pronounced koy-noh-NEE-ah): This word means “fellowship” or “sharing in common.” While both words involve the idea of participation, κοινωνία emphasizes the relational aspect of shared experiences, whereas μετάλημψις focuses more on the act of receiving or partaking.

μετέχω (metechō, pronounced meh-TEH-khoh): Meaning “to partake” or “to share,” this word is similar to μεταλαμβάνω but is often used in broader contexts, including both physical and metaphorical participation.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: μετάλημψις is a feminine noun of the third declension. It can appear in different cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) depending on its syntactical function in the sentence. As a third-declension noun, its forms may be less predictable compared to first and second declension nouns.

Declension Table: μετάλημψις (Third Declension Feminine Noun)

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word μετάλημψις is closely associated with the act of receiving or partaking, especially within religious or communal settings. In 1 Timothy 4:3, μετάλημψις is used to describe the act of receiving food with thanksgiving, highlighting both the physical act of eating and the spiritual significance of gratitude in daily life. In broader New Testament usage, it carries connotations of communal participation, particularly in relation to religious practices such as the Eucharist or shared meals among early Christians. Classical Greek usage extends the meaning of μετάλημψις to include the reception of benefits or wisdom, thus encompassing both material and spiritual connotations. Theologically, it emphasizes the Christian practice of giving thanks for the blessings received, whether they are physical sustenance or spiritual gifts.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• 1 Timothy 4:3: “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received [μετάλημψις] with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”
• Hebrews 12:10: “For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers [μετάλημψις] of His holiness.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μετάλημψις, meaning reception or partaking, is central to understanding communal and spiritual participation in the early Christian context. Used in 1 Timothy 4:3 to describe receiving food with thanksgiving, it signifies both the physical and spiritual aspects of gratitude. The word carries broader implications in classical Greek, where it referred to receiving benefits, wisdom, or participation in shared experiences. Theologically, μετάλημψις reflects a Christian lifestyle of gratitude, recognizing that all good things come from God and are to be received with thanksgiving, especially within the context of community.

Did You Know?

• μετάλημψις is used not only in reference to physical sustenance but also metaphorically to describe spiritual participation, such as in Hebrews 12:10, where it refers to partaking in God’s holiness.
• The concept of μετάλημψις aligns with the ancient Greek emphasis on communal meals, which were often seen as both social and sacred events.
• The root of μετάλημψις, λαμβάνω (lambanō), is also related to modern English terms like “lambent,” which connotes something softly shining, hinting at the idea of receiving light or wisdom.