Brief Overview of προσλαμβάνω (Strong’s G4355: proslambanō)

Strong’s G4355: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with lambanō (to take, receive), meaning “to take to oneself, receive, accept.” Used in various contexts from physical taking aside to spiritual reception, particularly emphasizing personal acceptance and welcoming.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσλαμβάνω represents both physical and spiritual reception. In its first New Testament appearance, Peter physically takes Jesus aside, but the word develops broader meaning including hospitable welcome and spiritual acceptance. The compound structure emphasizes personal, intentional taking or receiving. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both Christian hospitality and spiritual inclusion. Today, it continues to express both practical reception of others and spiritual acceptance in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσλαμβάνω, proslambanō, pros-lam-BA-no
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘BA’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘no’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• λαμβάνω (lambanō) – root verb meaning “to take, receive”
  The combination indicates taking or receiving to oneself.

D – Defining Meanings

• To take to oneself
• To receive, welcome
• To accept

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds personal direction to λαμβάνω, creating the concept of taking or receiving something/someone toward oneself.

Translation Options:

• “to take aside” – emphasizes physical action
• “to receive” – captures welcoming aspect
• “to accept” – reflects personal inclusion

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δέχομαι (dechomai, DEK-oh-mai) – to receive, welcome
  See G1209
• παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō, pa-ra-lam-BA-no) – to take along
  See G3880
• ἀναλαμβάνω (analambanō, an-a-lam-BA-no) – to take up
  See G353

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσλαμβάνω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Middle/Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Imperative
• Person: All
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Punctiliar

The middle voice emphasizes personal involvement in receiving.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual reception. Thayer’s notes its use in hospitality contexts. LSJ provides evidence of its broad usage range. Vine’s connects it to Christian fellowship. Strong’s highlights the personal nature of the receiving. LEH notes its use in acceptance contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of formal reception.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” [προσλαβόμενος] Matthew 16:22

Additional References:
Acts 17:5
Acts 18:26
Romans 14:1
Romans 15:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσλαμβάνω beautifully captures both human and divine reception. Just as we are called to welcome others, Christ has welcomed us. The good news is that God has taken us to Himself in Christ, and we are called to extend that same welcoming acceptance to others.

D – Did You Know?

1. First appears in a context of misguided protection (Peter taking Jesus aside)
2. Used extensively in Acts for Christian hospitality
3. Paul uses it to describe Christ’s acceptance of believers

Strong’s G4355: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with lambanō (to take, receive), meaning “to take to oneself, receive, accept.” Used in various contexts from physical taking aside to spiritual reception, particularly emphasizing personal acceptance and welcoming.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: reception, acceptance, welcome, hospitality, inclusion, Christian-fellowship, compound-verb, physical-receiving, spiritual-acceptance, fellowship, Christian-hospitality, divine-acceptance, community, welcoming, inclusion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​