Brief Overview of ἐκδέχομαι (Strong’s G1551: ekdéchomai)

Introduction

Understanding the nuances of Greek words in biblical texts is essential for a deeper comprehension of scripture. The word ἐκδέχομαι (ekdéchomai) is a significant term found in the New Testament, carrying the sense of expectation and reception. This word is particularly important in theological discussions around patience, anticipation, and the act of waiting on God’s promises. By examining ἐκδέχομαι, we can better appreciate how the early Christians understood the concept of waiting in faith, both in personal and communal contexts.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκδέχομαι (ekdéchomai) [ek-DEKH-o-mai]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and δέχομαι (déxomai), meaning “to receive” or “to accept.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Await: The primary meaning of ἐκδέχομαι is to await or expect something with anticipation, often used in contexts where a person is waiting for a significant event or fulfillment.
• To Receive: It also carries the connotation of receiving or welcoming something or someone, often with a sense of readiness and openness.
• To Wait For: In a broader sense, the word can also mean to wait for something with a sense of patient endurance, particularly in the context of divine promises or outcomes.

Similar Words:

• προσδέχομαι (prosdéchomai) [pros-DEKH-o-mai]: This word similarly means “to wait for” or “to receive,” but it often emphasizes the act of welcoming or receiving someone, particularly in a personal or relational context.
• ἀπεκδέχομαι (apekdéxomai) [a-pek-DEKH-o-mai]: A stronger form of waiting or expecting, often used in eschatological contexts to describe the eager anticipation of Christ’s return.

Further Insights

• Morphology: ἐκδέχομαι is a deponent verb, which means it is middle in form but active in meaning. It follows standard Greek verb conjugations for middle/passive forms in the present tense.

Notable Linguistic Features:

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• The prefix ἐκ (ek) adds an element of expectation or intensity to the verb δέχομαι (déxomai), suggesting a sense of eager anticipation or readiness to receive.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes ἐκδέχομαι as a verb indicating expectation with a readiness to receive what is awaited, often in the context of divine fulfillment or eschatological hope.
• Thayer’s: Notes the use of ἐκδέχομαι in the New Testament to convey the idea of waiting patiently for God’s promises or the fulfillment of prophetic words.
• Vine’s: Emphasizes the word’s application in contexts of spiritual anticipation, particularly in relation to the coming of Christ or the fulfillment of God’s promises.
• LSJ: Provides examples from classical Greek where ἐκδέχομαι is used in both secular and religious contexts to describe awaiting or expecting a significant event.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐκδέχομαι as “to wait for” or “to expect,” highlighting its use in passages that speak to the Christian hope and endurance.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 16:11 – “Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for (ἐκδέχομαι) him with the brethren.” This verse illustrates the sense of expectation and readiness associated with ἐκδέχομαι.
• Hebrews 10:13 – “From henceforth expecting (ἐκδέχομαι) till his enemies be made his footstool.” This verse highlights the eschatological aspect of the word, where it refers to the anticipation of a future fulfillment.

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκδέχομαι is often used in contexts of expectation or awaiting something important. Below are examples from classical texts:

Summary of ἐκδέχομαι (G1551: ekdéchomai)

The Greek word ἐκδέχομαι is a powerful verb that conveys the sense of expecting or waiting for something with anticipation and readiness. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both the patient waiting for God’s promises and the eager anticipation of eschatological events. Understanding ἐκδέχομαι enhances our grasp of how early Christians understood waiting on God—not as passive resignation, but as active, expectant faith. The word’s classical usage further underscores its significance in both secular and religious contexts, where it denotes the importance of awaiting significant events with a prepared heart.

Did You Know?

The concept of ἐκδέχομαι in ancient Greek culture was not limited to religious or spiritual contexts. It was often used in military and political settings, where awaiting orders or outcomes was a crucial part of strategy and decision-making. This illustrates the broader cultural importance of patience and readiness in various aspects of Greek life.