Understanding ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambanō) Strong’s G618: The Divine Act of Taking Back, Receiving, and Separating in God’s Perfect Timing

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-lam-BAN-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G618: ἀπολαμβάνω (apolambanō) combines the preposition ἀπό (from, away from) with λαμβάνω (to take, receive), creating a rich compound meaning “to take or receive from, to take aside, to receive back what is due.” This versatile verb carries nuances of separation, recovery, and receiving what is promised or owed, often with divine timing and purpose.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative)
• Compound word: ἀπό (from) + λαμβάνω (to take/receive)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in both classical and Koine Greek literature
• Frequently used in commercial and legal contexts

ἀπολαμβάνω Morphology:

• ἀπολαμβάνω (present active) – I receive/take back
• ἀπέλαβον (aorist active) – I received/took back
• ἀπολήψεται (future middle) – he/she will receive back
• ἀπολαβεῖν (aorist active infinitive) – to receive back
• ἀπολαβών (aorist active participle) – having received back

Origin & History

The term ἀπολαμβάνω emerged in classical Greek literature as a precise legal and commercial term, appearing in Plato’s “Republic” when discussing just compensation and in Xenophon’s “Anabasis” regarding military payments. Its usage evolved to encompass both literal and metaphorical taking or receiving back.

In the Septuagint, ἀπολαμβάνω appears in contexts of divine restoration and judgment, notably in 2 Maccabees 7:29 where the mother encourages her son with the hope of receiving him back in the resurrection. This usage established a theological foundation for the New Testament applications.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” employed the term when discussing spiritual restoration and divine recompense, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To receive back what is due or promised
• To take aside or separate for a specific purpose
• To recover or regain possession
• To receive in full or obtain completely

ἀπολαμβάνω Translation Options:

• “Receive back” – When emphasizing restoration or return
• “Take aside” – In contexts of separation for a purpose
• “Obtain fully” – When stressing complete reception
• “Recover” – In situations of regaining something lost
• “Welcome back” – In contexts of joyful restoration

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπολαμβάνω first appears in Mark 7:33, where Yeshua takes aside a deaf man for healing, demonstrating the word’s sense of purposeful separation. The term carries significant weight in Luke 6:34-35, where it discusses lending without expecting to receive back, highlighting Kingdom principles that transcend natural expectations.

The word’s usage often connects to divine timing and purpose, particularly in contexts of spiritual restoration and reward. This is evident in Luke 16:25 where Abraham tells the rich man he has received his good things in full during his lifetime.

• “And He took him aside [ἀπολαμβάνω] from the multitude privately” Mark 7:33
• “And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive back [ἀπολαμβάνω]” Luke 6:34
• “Remember that you in your lifetime received [ἀπολαμβάνω] your good things” Luke 16:25
• “That we might receive [ἀπολαμβάνω] the promise of the Spirit through faith” Galatians 3:14
• “That he might receive back [ἀπολαμβάνω] from you forever” Philemon 1:15

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of receiving back or taking aside often carried ceremonial significance. The act of separation (לְהַבְדִּיל – lehadvil) was central to Jewish religious life, as seen in the separation of the holy from the common. When Yeshua took the deaf man aside in Mark 7:33, He was following a pattern familiar to Jewish people – the idea that certain acts of God required separation from the crowd for intimate divine encounter.

The commercial aspect of ἀπολαμβάνω resonated deeply with first-century audiences familiar with the practice of deposits and receipts in the Roman world. Business documents from the period show that ἀπολαμβάνω was a technical term for receiving payment or recovering loans, adding depth to Yeshua’s teachings about lending and receiving.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπολαμβάνω in Scripture reveals profound truths about God’s character and His ways of working. When Yeshua takes people aside, it demonstrates His personal care and attention to individual needs. The act of separation often precedes transformation, showing how God sometimes needs to separate us from our normal environment to work deeply in our lives.

The term’s connection to receiving back what is promised highlights God’s faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. Whether in the context of healing, spiritual restoration, or eternal rewards, ἀπολαμβάνω reminds us that what God promises, He faithfully delivers in His perfect timing.

Moreover, the word’s usage in teachings about lending and receiving demonstrates the radical nature of Kingdom economics, where giving without expectation of return becomes a reflection of God’s generous character.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀπολαμβάνω, we gain insight into God’s methods of working in our lives. Sometimes, like the deaf man, we need to be taken aside – separated from the noise and distractions of life – to experience God’s healing touch. This might mean embracing seasons of solitude or separation that God uses for our transformation.

The word also challenges our approach to giving and receiving. Are we willing to lend and give without expecting to receive back? Can we trust that God Himself will be our rewarder, often in ways we couldn’t have anticipated? Understanding ἀπολαμβάνω encourages us to embrace both the times of separation and the promises of restoration with confident faith in God’s perfect timing.

Related Words

• δέχομαι (dechomai) – to receive, accept, welcome – Similar in receiving but lacks the “back” aspect of ἀπολαμβάνω. See G1209
• λαμβάνω (lambanō) – to take, receive – The root word of ἀπολαμβάνω without the sense of separation or receiving back. See G2983
• κομίζω (komizō) – to receive, obtain – Often used for receiving rewards or wages. See G2865
• χωρίζω (chōrizō) – to separate, divide – Shares the concept of separation but without the receiving aspect. See G5563

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek medical texts, ἀπολαμβάνω was used to describe taking a patient aside for examination or treatment, providing fascinating context for Yeshua’s healing ministry.
• The compound structure of ἀπολαμβάνω (ἀπό + λαμβάνω) mirrors a common pattern in Hebrew thought where complex ideas are built from simpler root concepts, showing the beautiful intersection of Greek and Hebrew thinking in the New Testament.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀπολαμβάνω, primarily meaning “to enjoy,” showing how the word evolved from receiving something back to experiencing the pleasure of what is received.

Remember This

ἀπολαμβάνω reminds us that in God’s economy, every separation has purpose, every promise has fulfillment, and every divine taking aside leads to transformation.