BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Lambanō — Meaning and Biblical Usage
G2983 λαμβάνω (lambánō) means to take, lay hold of, or receive, encompassing physical action, acceptance, and figurative reception.
Meaning of the word
The Greek verb λαμβάνω (lambánō) primarily means to take, lay hold of, seize, or remove. Its use can describe physically taking an object, as in Jesus taking the loaves in Matthew 14:19, or taking a person's coat in Matthew 5:40.
It also means to receive. The object may be something given or supplied, as in receiving a prophet's reward in Matthew 10:41, or the word of God in Matthew 13:20. The context determines whether the emphasis is taking, holding, accepting, or receiving.
The word can also function figuratively, describing acceptance of a message, testimony, words, or a situation. In Matthew 7:7, the expression ‘knock, and it shall be opened’ appears in a teaching about asking, seeking, and receiving, while the cited entry notes λαμβάνω in relation to receiving what is given.
Usage in Scripture
In the Gospel of Matthew, λαμβάνω covers ordinary actions and responses. Jesus takes the loaves in Matthew 14:19, the disciples receive the word in Matthew 13:20, and a person who receives a prophet receives a prophet's reward in Matthew 10:41. These examples show that the word is not limited to forceful seizure; it can mark physical taking or receptive acceptance.
The supplied lexicon also contrasts λαμβάνω with G138 αἱρέομαι, describing G138 as more violent in the sense of seizing or removing. In Matthew 12:14, the Pharisees took counsel against Jesus; the entry identifies ἔλαβον in this kind of action-oriented context. Readers should therefore consider the surrounding words and the force of the scene rather than assuming every use is violent.
The word in detail
- G2983 G2983 is λαμβάνω (lambánō), ‘to take, lay hold of, or receive.’ It appears in physical actions such as taking the loaves in Matthew 14:19 and in receptive actions such as receiving the word in Matthew 13:20.
Example verses
- Matthew 5:40 The phrase ‘take away thy coat’ uses λαβεῖν in the sense of taking or removing someone’s garment.
- Matthew 10:38 Here λαμβάνει describes taking one’s cross, presenting it as a deliberate action by the disciple who follows Jesus.
- Matthew 14:19 λαβὼν marks Jesus’ taking of the five loaves and two fishes before blessing, breaking, and giving them.
- Matthew 13:20 λαμβάνων describes the person who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy.
Common questions
What does G2983 λαμβάνω mean?
It means to take, lay hold of, seize or remove, and also to receive or accept.
Does λαμβάνω always mean to take by force?
No. It can describe forceful taking, but it can also describe ordinary taking, holding, or receiving something without violence, as in receiving the word in Matthew 13:20.
What is the main distinction between λαμβάνω and G138 αἱρέομαι?
The lexicon describes G138 αἱρέομαι as more violent, while λαμβάνω broadly covers taking, laying hold of, and receiving.