Understanding ἀπαντάω (apantaō) Strong’s G528: The Divine Encounters that Reveal God’s Perfect Timing

Pronunciation Guide: ah-pan-TAH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G528: A verb meaning “to meet, to encounter, to come from a place to meet someone.” This word specifically describes an appointed or providential meeting, often carrying the sense of moving from one place to another for the purpose of encountering someone. It frequently appears in contexts where divine appointments and God-ordained meetings take place.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: ἀπό (from, away from) + ἀντάω (to meet with, encounter)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages, particularly in contexts of divine encounters
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist

ἀπαντάω Morphology:

• ἀπαντῶ (present active indicative) – I meet
• ἀπαντήσω (future active indicative) – I will meet
• ἀπήντησα (aorist active indicative) – I met
• ἀπαντῆσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to meet
• ἀπαντήσας (aorist active participle) – having met

Origin & History

The word ἀπαντάω emerged from classical Greek literature where it was commonly used to describe formal meetings or encounters. In Xenophon’s “Anabasis” (4.6.3), it describes military encounters, while Plato uses it in “Phaedo” (59a) for arranged meetings between friends. The compound structure, combining ἀπό (from) with ἀντάω (meet), suggests movement toward a meeting point, implying purpose and intention in the encounter.

In the Septuagint, ἀπαντάω appears frequently in narratives of divine providence, such as in Genesis 32:1 where it describes Jacob’s encounter with God’s angels, and in Exodus 4:27 where Aaron meets Moses in the wilderness. This usage established a pattern of the word being associated with divinely orchestrated meetings.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A deliberate movement toward an encounter or meeting
• An unexpected but providential meeting
• A coming together of two parties by divine arrangement
• A formal greeting or reception of someone

ἀπαντάω Translation Options:

• “to meet” – When emphasizing the basic act of encountering someone
• “to come to meet” – When highlighting the movement aspect
• “to encounter providentially” – When divine arrangement is implied
• “to greet formally” – When describing ceremonial contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπαντάω appears in pivotal moments of divine encounter. Its first appearance in Matthew 28:9 describes the risen Messiah meeting (ἀπήντησεν) His disciples, emphasizing the divine orchestration of this post-resurrection encounter. This usage sets a precedent for understanding the word’s theological significance in moments of divine-human interaction.

The word appears in several other significant contexts:

• “Matthew 28:9 – And behold, Jesus met [ἀπήντησεν] them”
• “Mark 14:13 – There shall meet [ἀπαντήσει] you a man bearing a pitcher of water”
• “Luke 17:12 – Ten men who were lepers met [ἀπήντησαν] Him”
• “Acts 16:16 – A certain slave girl met [ἀπαντῆσαι] us”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, meetings were rarely considered casual or coincidental. The Jewish understanding of divine providence (hashgacha pratit) meant that significant encounters were viewed as divinely orchestrated. This cultural lens adds depth to ἀπαντάω’s usage, particularly in the Gospel narratives where seemingly chance meetings often reveal God’s sovereign guidance.

The concept of meeting someone along the way carried special significance in Jewish thought. The rabbinical tradition speaks of “zivug min hashamayim” (matches made in heaven), where even casual encounters are seen as potentially significant moments in God’s plan. This understanding illuminates why the Gospel writers chose ἀπαντάω to describe certain encounters with Jesus.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπαντάω in the New Testament reveals a profound theology of divine encounter. It appears at crucial moments where heaven touches earth, particularly in the resurrection narratives. The word’s emphasis on movement toward a meeting point beautifully illustrates God’s initiative in seeking out His people, while also highlighting human responsibility in responding to divine appointments.

The combination of ἀπό (from) with ἀντάω (meet) in this word pictures both separation and reunion, mirroring the greater story of redemption where God moves toward humanity to restore relationship. This theological motif reaches its climax in the resurrection appearances, where ἀπαντάω describes the Messiah’s initiative in meeting His disciples.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπαντάω challenges us to view our daily encounters through the lens of divine providence. Just as the disciples encountered the risen Messiah, we too are called to recognize God’s hand in orchestrating the meetings and circumstances of our lives. This awareness transforms ordinary interactions into potential moments of divine appointment.

Consider how many “chance” meetings in your life may have been divine appointments. The next time you encounter someone unexpectedly, remember that God may have orchestrated this meeting for His purposes, just as He did with the encounters described by ἀπαντάω in Scripture.

Related Words

• συναντάω (synantaō) – to meet with, come together with; emphasizes the mutual nature of the meeting. See G4876
• ὑπαντάω (hypantaō) – to meet, go to meet; often carries ceremonial connotations. See G5221
• προσέρχομαι (proserchomai) – to come toward, approach; emphasizes the movement aspect. See G4334
• ἀπέρχομαι (aperchomai) – to go away, depart; the opposite movement. See G565

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in modern Greek, ἀπαντάω has evolved to primarily mean “to answer” or “to respond,” showing how the concept of meeting someone has metaphorically extended to meeting someone’s question with an answer?
• Did you know that the prefix ἀπό in ἀπαντάω suggests movement from one place to another, implying that true encounters often require us to leave our comfort zones?
• Did you know that in ancient Mediterranean culture, the act of going out to meet someone was considered a sign of honor and respect? This cultural practice adds deeper meaning to the women going out to meet Jesus at the tomb and His meeting them on their way.

Remember This

Every divine encounter described by ἀπαντάω reminds us that in God’s perfect timing, He orchestrates meetings that can transform our lives and fulfill His purposes.