Understanding ἀντικαλέω (antikaleo) Strong’s G479: The Reciprocal Call – Exploring Divine Principles of Kingdom Hospitality

Pronunciation Guide: an-tee-kal-EH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G479: A compound verb meaning “to invite in return” or “to call back,” combining ἀντί (anti, “in return”) and καλέω (kaleo, “to call/invite”). This word specifically describes the act of reciprocating an invitation or extending hospitality in response to having received it, carrying implications about social dynamics and spiritual principles in the Kingdom of God.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Infinitive)
• Compound word from ἀντί (anti) + καλέω (kaleo)
• Primary usage in teaching passages
• Only appears once in the New Testament
• Used in context of social customs and spiritual instruction

ἀντικαλέω Morphology:

• ἀντικαλέω (present active infinitive) – to invite in return
• ἀντικαλέσωσίν (aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person plural) – they might invite in return
• ἀντικαλέσῃ (aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person singular) – he/she might invite in return

Origin & History

The compound verb ἀντικαλέω emerges from classical Greek social contexts where reciprocity in hospitality was a fundamental aspect of society. In Xenophon’s “Symposium,” similar concepts of reciprocal obligations in social relationships are discussed, though the exact term is rare in classical literature.

The concept, while not frequently appearing in the Septuagint, reflects ancient Near Eastern customs of hospitality and reciprocity. The individual components (ἀντί and καλέω) are well-attested in both classical and biblical Greek, with καλέω being particularly significant in the context of divine calling and invitation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To return an invitation or social courtesy
• To reciprocate hospitality
• To invite back as a response to previous hospitality

ἀντικαλέω Translation Options:

• “Invite in return” – Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action
• “Invite back” – Highlights the temporal sequence and response
• “Return the invitation” – Captures the social custom aspect
• “Reciprocate with an invitation” – Emphasizes the mutual exchange principle

Biblical Usage

The word appears exclusively in Luke 14:12, where Yeshua (Jesus) is teaching about true hospitality at a Sabbath meal in a Pharisee’s house. The context is crucial as He addresses the common practice of inviting people who can “invite you in return” (ἀντικαλέσωσίν). This teaching moment becomes a platform for challenging conventional social reciprocity in favor of Kingdom principles.

The singular usage makes each aspect of the word significant, particularly as it appears in a teaching that contrasts worldly and Kingdom approaches to hospitality. While the word appears only once, the principle it addresses connects to broader biblical themes:

• “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return [ἀντικαλέσωσίν] and that will be your repayment.” Luke 14:12

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish society, meal invitations were significant social currency. The practice of reciprocal hospitality (ἀντικαλέω) was deeply embedded in the social fabric, creating networks of obligation and honor. The concept of reciprocity was so ingrained that to fail to return hospitality was considered a serious breach of social etiquette.

The setting of this teaching during a Sabbath meal at a Pharisee’s house is particularly significant. Sabbath meals were special occasions where hospitality was especially important in Jewish culture. The careful selection of guests often reflected and reinforced social hierarchies, a practice the Messiah challenges through this teaching.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀντικαλέω in Yeshua’s teaching reveals a profound contrast between worldly and Kingdom economics. While human society operates on principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit, the Kingdom of God operates on principles of grace and unilateral giving.

This word becomes a pivot point for understanding divine hospitality. God’s invitation to humanity can never be reciprocated in equal measure, yet He calls us to extend His kind of hospitality – one that doesn’t seek return but reflects His character of giving without expectation of repayment.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀντικαλέω and Yeshua’s teaching around it, we’re challenged to examine our motivations in giving and hospitality. Are we giving to those who can repay us, or are we extending Kingdom hospitality that reflects God’s heart?

This understanding should transform our approach to hospitality, moving us from calculated reciprocity to generous, grace-filled giving that mirrors our Heavenly Father’s character.

Related Words

• καλέω (kaleo) – to call, invite – The base word emphasizing the act of invitation without the reciprocal aspect See G2564
• προσκαλέω (proskaleo) – to call to oneself, summon – Emphasizes drawing near rather than reciprocation See G4341
• παρακαλέω (parakaleo) – to call alongside, encourage – Focuses on supportive calling See G3870
• συγκαλέω (sugkaleo) – to call together, convene – Emphasizes gathering rather than reciprocation See G4779

Did you Know?

• The principle behind ἀντικαλέω continues in modern Middle Eastern culture, where reciprocal hospitality remains a crucial social obligation, much as it was in biblical times.
• The components of this word (ἀντί + καλέω) appear separately over 700 times in the New Testament, yet this specific compound form appears only once, highlighting its specialized meaning in Yeshua’s teaching.
• Ancient Greek dinner invitations have been discovered on papyri, showing how formal and important these social obligations were in the biblical world, providing context for why Yeshua’s teaching was so countercultural.

Remember This

ἀντικαλέω stands as a powerful reminder that Kingdom principles often challenge our natural inclinations toward reciprocity, calling us instead to emulate God’s generous, expectation-free giving.