Understanding δέχομαι (dechomai) Strong’s G1209: The Divine Act of Receiving with Open Hands and Heart

Pronunciation Guide: deh’-khom-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1209: δέχομαι (dechomai) fundamentally means “to receive,” but with nuances that extend beyond mere physical acceptance. It denotes a deliberate, welcoming reception—taking or accepting something offered with readiness and hospitality. In the biblical context, it often carries connotations of receiving with approval, embracing willingly, or welcoming heartily what is presented, whether material gifts, spiritual truths, or even persons.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb (deponent middle)
• Root Word: Derived from the primitive root δεκ- (dek-) conveying the idea of receiving or accepting
• Language Origin: Ancient Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, parables of Jesus, apostolic teachings, and epistolary literature
• Voice: Middle deponent (form is middle but meaning is active)
• Tense Forms: Present, future, aorist, perfect

δέχομαι Morphology:

• δέχομαι (present indicative) – I receive/accept
• δέξομαι (future indicative) – I will receive
• ἐδεξάμην (aorist indicative) – I received
• δέδεγμαι (perfect indicative) – I have received
• δέχου (present imperative) – receive! (command)
• δέξαι (aorist imperative) – receive! (urgent command)
• δεχόμενος (present participle) – receiving/accepting
• δεξάμενος (aorist participle) – having received/accepted

Origin & History

The verb δέχομαι has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, appearing as early as Homer’s works (8th century BCE), where it often described receiving guests or accepting gifts in contexts of hospitality. In the “Iliad,” Homer uses the term when describing warriors accepting weapons or leaders receiving messengers, always with a sense of formality and honor in the reception.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δέχομαι appears frequently as the translation for several Hebrew terms, most notably לָקַח (laqach, “to take”) and קָבַל (qabal, “to receive”). Its usage in the LXX established important theological precedents, particularly in contexts where Israel was called to “receive” יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) instruction or covenant. For instance, in Exodus 24:7, the people’s acceptance of the covenant is rendered with δέχομαι, highlighting the willful reception of Divine revelation.

By the time of the New Testament, the word had developed rich connotations in Hellenistic Greek, being used by writers such as Josephus when describing official receptions of dignitaries or the acceptance of authoritative messages. Early Church Fathers, including Clement of Rome in his epistle to the Corinthians, employed the term when exhorting believers to “receive” apostolic teaching with appropriate reverence and readiness.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Hospitable Welcome – To receive a person with appropriate honor and hospitality
• Acceptance of Teaching – To embrace, accept and internalize instruction or doctrine
• Receptivity to Divine Action – To allow God’s work, word, or spirit to find entrance into one’s life
• Formal Reception – To officially accept a gift, position, or role
• Welcoming Embrace – To take into one’s care with affection and protection

δέχομαι Translation Options:

• Receive – Emphasizes the basic act of taking what is offered; appropriate when physical items or messages are in view
• Welcome – Highlights the warmth and hospitality aspect; best used when persons are being received
• Accept – Stresses the willful approval element; suitable when decisions or agreements are involved
• Embrace – Captures the full-hearted reception; ideal for contexts of spiritual truths or divine presence
• Take in – Conveys the inclusive, incorporating aspect; fitting when something becomes part of oneself

Biblical Usage

The verb δέχομαι appears 56 times in the New Testament, consistently portraying a pattern of active, willing reception. Its first appearance in Matthew 10:14 occurs in Jesus’ instructions to His disciples, where the negative form (οὐ δέξηται) describes towns that “do not receive” the apostles and their message. This establishes an important motif throughout the Gospels—reception of Jesus’ messengers constitutes reception of Jesus Himself, and ultimately of the Father (Luke 9:48).

In the Epistles, δέχομαι takes on significant theological dimensions. Paul employs it in 2 Corinthians 6:1 regarding “receiving the grace of God,” suggesting that divine grace requires not just passive acknowledgment but active appropriation. James likewise uses it when exhorting believers to “receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21), emphasizing the humble receptivity necessary for God’s word to bear fruit in believers’ lives.

Key verses employing δέχομαι include:

• “And whoever does not receive [δέξηται] you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.” Matthew 10:14
• “Whoever receives [δέξηται] one such child in My name receives [δέχεται] Me; and whoever receives [δέχηται] Me does not receive [δέχεται] Me but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:37
• “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive [δέξασθε] the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21
• “And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive [δέξασθαι] the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1
• “For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted [προσεδέξασθε] joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.” Hebrews 10:34
• “And so, since we receive [παραλαμβάνοντες] an unshakable kingdom, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
• “You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable [προσδεκτὰς] to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of “receiving” was deeply embedded in the customs of hospitality (φιλοξενία, philoxenia), which was considered a sacred duty. When Jesus instructed His disciples about towns and households that would “receive” them (Matthew 10:11-14), He was invoking this cultural framework. A proper reception would involve not merely allowing travelers to enter one’s home but providing water for foot-washing, food, protection, and an honored place at the table.

This cultural background illuminates why the reception (δέχομαι) of apostles carried such weight in early Christian communities. In Jewish tradition, receiving a person’s messenger was equivalent to receiving the person himself—a concept expressed in the rabbinic principle שְׁלִיחוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם כְּמוֹתוֹ (shelicho shel adam kemoto, “a person’s emissary is as the person himself”). This explains Jesus’ statement that receiving His disciples meant receiving Him, and ultimately receiving the Father (Luke 9:48). The act of δέχομαι thus carried profound implications of covenant relationship and representation.

Furthermore, in Greco-Roman diplomatic contexts, the formal “reception” (δέχομαι) of an ambassador would include specific protocols acknowledging the authority of the sending ruler. When early Christians “received” apostolic emissaries, they were participating in a culturally recognized act that acknowledged the authority of the one who sent them—the Messiah Himself.

Theological Significance

The concept of δέχομαι provides a profound framework for understanding the divine-human relationship. Throughout Scripture, יהוה (Yahweh) is revealed as a God who initiates—offering covenant, salvation, and truth—but who honors human freedom by awaiting our reception. This tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is beautifully captured in the reciprocal dynamics of δέχομαι.

The Incarnation itself represents the ultimate expression of divine δέχομαι—God receiving human nature. As John 1:11-12 poignantly observes, though many did not “receive” the Messiah, “to all who did receive Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” This establishes a remarkable spiritual principle: our reception of God’s self-disclosure becomes the gateway to our spiritual transformation. We do not change in order to receive God; rather, in receiving Him, we are changed.

In Pauline theology, δέχομαι takes on soteriological significance, particularly in contexts concerning the “reception” of grace, the gospel, and the Spirit. In Galatians 3:2-3, Paul asks whether the Galatians “received” the Spirit by works or by faith, establishing reception as the counterpart to divine giving in the economy of salvation. This underscores that salvation is fundamentally receptive—not a human achievement but a divine gift actively embraced.

Personal Application

The concept of δέχομαι challenges us to examine our posture toward God’s initiatives in our lives. Are we actively receptive to His word, His Spirit, and His leading? True spiritual receptivity goes beyond passive acknowledgment to wholehearted embrace. Just as an open hand can receive a gift while a clenched fist cannot, so our hearts must remain open to receive what God offers.

This principle extends to our interpersonal relationships as well. When we truly “receive” others as Christ received us (Romans 15:7), we move beyond mere tolerance to active hospitality—creating space in our lives and hearts for those who may be different from us. In a divided world, the practice of Christ-like δέχομαι becomes a powerful testimony to the reconciling power of the gospel.

Related Words

• λαμβάνω (lambanō) [lam-ban’-o] – A more general term for taking or receiving, often with an emphasis on the initiative of the taker rather than the welcoming aspect of the receiver. While δέχομαι emphasizes welcome reception, λαμβάνω can sometimes indicate taking by force or grasping. See G2983
• παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō) [par-al-am-ban’-o] – Indicates receiving something transmitted from another, often in contexts of receiving traditions, teachings, or being taken along physically. Contains the idea of reception with a view toward carrying something further. See G3880
• ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai) [ap-od-ekh’-om-ahee] – An intensified form of δέχομαι indicating a particularly hearty welcome or reception with gladness and full approval. Often used of joyfully receiving people or teachings. See G588
• προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai) [pros-dekh’-om-ahee] – Combines δέχομαι with the preposition πρός (towards), emphasizing expectant waiting or looking forward to receiving something. Often used of awaiting the Messiah’s return. See G4327
• ὑποδέχομαι (hupodechomai) [hoop-od-ekh’-om-ahee] – Combines δέχομαι with the preposition ὑπό (under), emphasizing receiving under one’s roof or protection. Specifically used of hospitable reception of guests. See G5264

Did you Know?

• The ancient Greek practice of δεξίωσις (dexiōsis), derived from the same root as δέχομαι, was a formal handshake or right-handed greeting that symbolized peaceful reception. This practice is immortalized in ancient Greek artwork showing treaty ceremonies. When early Christians “received” one another in the Messiah’s name, they were enacting a spiritual version of this peace treaty—acknowledging that through the Messiah, former enemies were now reconciled.
• In modern Greek, the derivative term αποδοχή (apodochi) from the same root as δέχομαι is used on credit card machines and payment systems to indicate “acceptance” of terms or transactions. This everyday usage preserves the ancient sense of formal, binding reception of what is offered—a reminder that our “acceptance” of God’s grace is not casual but consequential, involving real commitment.
• The famous “Hippocratic Oath” taken by physicians includes the Greek verb δέχομαι in its ancient form, as new doctors “receive” the sacred trust of medical responsibility. This connects to how the apostles “received” the commission from Jesus to heal and proclaim the Kingdom, suggesting that genuine reception always includes assuming responsibility for what has been entrusted to us.

Remember This

To δέχομαι in biblical Greek is to open not just your hands but your heart—creating space within yourself where God’s gifts, God’s truth, and ultimately God Himself can dwell and transform.