The Greek verb ἀντιλαμβάνω (antilambanō) means “to take hold of” or “to grasp.” It combines the prefix ἀντί (anti), meaning “against” or “in return,” with the verb λαμβάνω (lambanō), meaning “to take” or “to receive.” The term can convey a sense of holding or seizing something, often with the nuance of receiving or supporting.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: According to Strong’s, ἀντιλαμβάνω is used to denote the act of “taking hold of” or “seizing,” often with an implication of receiving or supporting. Strong’s highlights its use in contexts where someone is taking or grasping something, typically with a sense of assistance or support.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG provides a more nuanced definition, noting that ἀντιλαμβάνω means “to take hold of” or “to seize,” especially in the sense of taking responsibility or providing support. It often conveys the idea of helping or assisting someone by physically or metaphorically taking hold of them.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀντιλαμβάνω as “to take hold of,” “to grasp,” or “to receive,” with a focus on the action of grasping or holding. The lexicon notes its application in contexts where the verb implies active engagement or support.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s describes ἀντιλαμβάνω as meaning “to take hold of” or “to seize,” often with an implication of taking on a role of assistance or support. It is used in contexts where someone actively engages in helping or supporting by taking hold of something or someone.

In summary, ἀντιλαμβάνω (antilambanō) generally means “to take hold of” or “to grasp,” with connotations of receiving, supporting, or assisting. Strong’s provides the basic definition, while BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s offer additional insights into its usage in contexts of support and responsibility.