Brief Overview of πρόσλημψις (Strong’s G4356: proslēmpsis)

Strong’s G4356: A noun derived from προσλαμβάνω (to receive), meaning “receiving, acceptance, restoration.” Used uniquely in Romans 11:15 to describe Israel’s future restoration and acceptance by God, emphasizing divine initiative in receiving His people back into covenant relationship.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόσλημψις represents divine acceptance and restoration, particularly in the context of God’s relationship with Israel. Its sole New Testament appearance occurs in Paul’s discussion of Israel’s future restoration. The word carries deep theological significance regarding God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Early church fathers frequently referenced this term when discussing God’s ongoing relationship with Israel and His pattern of restoration. Today, it continues to express both God’s faithfulness to His promises and His power to restore.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρόσλημψις, proslēmpsis, pros-LAYMP-sis
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘LAYMP’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘sis’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• λῆψις (lēpsis) – noun form of λαμβάνω meaning “taking, receiving”
  The combination forms a noun expressing the act of receiving or accepting.

D – Defining Meanings

• Acceptance
• Receiving
• Restoration

For compound words:
While derived from the compound verb προσλαμβάνω, πρόσλημψις functions as a noun describing the act or state of being received or accepted.

Translation Options:

• “acceptance” – emphasizes the state
• “receiving” – captures the action
• “restoration” – reflects the contextual meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποδοχή (apodochē, ap-od-ok-AY) – acceptance, approval
  See G594
• παραδοχή (paradochē, par-ad-ok-AY) – reception, acceptance
  See G3862
• προσδοχή (prosdochē, pros-dok-AY) – expectation
  See G4329

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, πρόσλημψις shows these features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples of case usage:

• Nominative: πρόσλημψις
• Genitive: προσλήμψεως
• Dative: προσλήμψει
• Accusative: πρόσλημψιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its theological significance in Romans. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine acceptance. LSJ provides limited classical usage evidence. Vine’s connects it to God’s restorative work. Strong’s highlights its derivation from προσλαμβάνω. LEH notes its rarity. Moulton and Milligan cite minimal papyri evidence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their [πρόσλημψις] acceptance mean but life from the dead? Romans 11:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόσλημψις powerfully captures God’s faithfulness in restoration. In the context of Israel’s future, it speaks to God’s unfailing covenant love and power to restore. The good news is that the God who promises to restore Israel is the same God who receives and restores all who come to Him through Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Appears only once in the New Testament in a crucial passage about Israel
2. Forms part of Paul’s larger argument about God’s faithfulness
3. Early church writers used it to discuss both Israel and Gentile inclusion

Strong’s G4356: A noun derived from προσλαμβάνω (to receive), meaning “receiving, acceptance, restoration.” Used uniquely in Romans 11:15 to describe Israel’s future restoration and acceptance by God, emphasizing divine initiative in receiving His people back into covenant relationship.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: acceptance, restoration, Israel, divine-faithfulness, Romans, Paul’s-theology, covenant-promises, divine-initiative, restoration-theology, Israel-future, divine-acceptance, covenant-relationship, redemption, God’s-faithfulness, salvation-history​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​