Strong's g4355
Brief Overview of προσλαμβάνω (Strong's G4355: proslambanō)
Strong’s G4355: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with lambanō (to take, receive), meaning “to take to oneself, receive, accept.” Used in various contexts from physical taking aside to spiritual reception, particularly emphasizing personal acceptance and welcoming.
U- Unveiling the Word
Key Information
προσλαμβάνω
Strong’s Entry
g4355
Προσλαμβάνω represents both physical and spiritual reception. In its first New Testament appearance, Peter physically takes Jesus aside, but the word develops broader meaning including hospitable welcome and spiritual acceptance. The compound structure emphasizes personal, intentional taking or receiving. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both Christian hospitality and spiritual inclusion. Today, it continues to express both practical reception of others and spiritual acceptance in Christ.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: προσλαμβάνω, proslambanō, pros-lam-BA-no
- Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘BA’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘no’ unstressed
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
- λαμβάνω (lambanō) – root verb meaning “to take, receive”
The combination indicates taking or receiving to oneself.
D – Defining Meanings
- To take to oneself
- To receive, welcome
- To accept
For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds personal direction to λαμβάνω, creating the concept of taking or receiving something/someone toward oneself.
Translation Options:
- “to take aside” – emphasizes physical action
- “to receive” – captures welcoming aspect
- “to accept” – reflects personal inclusion
E – Exploring Similar Words
- δέχομαι (dechomai, DEK-oh-mai) – to receive, welcome
See G1209 - παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō, pa-ra-lam-BA-no) – to take along
See G3880 - ἀναλαμβάνω (analambanō, an-a-lam-BA-no) – to take up
See G353
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, προσλαμβάνω shows these morphological features:
- Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
- Voice: Middle/Active
- Mood: Indicative, Participle, Imperative
- Person: All
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Continuous/Punctiliar
The middle voice emphasizes personal involvement in receiving.
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual reception. Thayer’s notes its use in hospitality contexts. LSJ provides evidence of its broad usage range. Vine’s connects it to Christian fellowship. Strong’s highlights the personal nature of the receiving. LEH notes its use in acceptance contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of formal reception.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” [προσλαβόμενος] Matthew 16:22
Additional References:
Acts 17:5
Acts 18:26
Romans 14:1
Romans 15:7
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Xenophon: Anabasis | The general [προσλαμβάνω] took the allies to himself |
| Plato: Republic | The philosopher [προσλαμβάνω] accepted the students into his circle |
| Thucydides: History | The city [προσλαμβάνω] received the refugees |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Προσλαμβάνω beautifully captures both human and divine reception. Just as we are called to welcome others, Christ has welcomed us. The good news is that God has taken us to Himself in Christ, and we are called to extend that same welcoming acceptance to others.
D – Did You Know?
- First appears in a context of misguided protection (Peter taking Jesus aside)
- Used extensively in Acts for Christian hospitality
- Paul uses it to describe Christ’s acceptance of believers
Strong’s G4355: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with lambanō (to take, receive), meaning “to take to oneself, receive, accept.” Used in various contexts from physical taking aside to spiritual reception, particularly emphasizing personal acceptance and welcoming.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: reception, acceptance, welcome, hospitality, inclusion, Christian-fellowship, compound-verb, physical-receiving, spiritual-acceptance, fellowship, Christian-hospitality, divine-acceptance, community, welcoming, inclusion
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
Strong's g4355
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God's Word is too vast for a single perspective. We all have a story, and as believers we all carry the Holy Spirit who is the Revealer. With this in mind - I would love to read your comments.
