εἰσδέχομαι

Pronunciation Guide: ice-DEKH-om-ahee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1523: Εἰσδέχομαι (eisdechomai) fundamentally means “to receive into one’s favor” or “to welcome in.” This compound verb conveys the deliberate action of taking someone or something inside, often with the connotation of accepting with favor or providing sanctuary. In biblical contexts, it frequently describes יהוה (Yahweh)’s gracious reception of His covenant people, offering them shelter, acceptance, and intimate fellowship.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb (Compound)
• Components: Preposition εἰς (eis, “into”) + verb δέχομαι (dechomai, “to receive”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages and apostolic letters
• Frequency: Rare – appears only once in the New Testament
• Voice: Middle voice, indicating personal involvement of the subject in the action

Εἰσδέχομαι Morphology:

• εἰσδέξομαι (future, 1st person singular) – I will receive in
• εἰσδέξῃ (future, 2nd person singular) – you will receive in
• εἰσδέξεται (future, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it will receive in
• εἰσέδεξάμην (aorist, 1st person singular) – I received in
• εἰσδέχεται (present, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it receives in

Origin & History

The compound verb εἰσδέχομαι derives from combining the preposition εἰς (“into,” denoting motion toward or into something) with the verb δέχομαι (“to receive” or “to accept”). This construction enhances the basic meaning of reception by emphasizing the movement or transition into a new state or place – not merely receiving something externally but bringing it fully inside.

In classical Greek literature, this term appears in Euripides’ “Hecuba” to describe receiving someone into one’s home or presence. The Septuagint (LXX) employs εἰσδέχομαι in several significant passages, particularly in Ezekiel 20:34 where יהוה (Yahweh) speaks of gathering Israel from the nations and bringing them into covenant fellowship. The emphasis on divine initiative in reception becomes a hallmark of this term’s theological significance, creating a foundation for its New Testament usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Ceremonial/Ritual Reception: To formally welcome someone into a sacred space or covenant relationship
• Protective Embrace: To take in for the purpose of providing shelter or protection
• Intimate Acceptance: To receive into close fellowship or family relationship
• Divine Adoption: In theological contexts, to receive as יהוה (Yahweh)’s own people

Εἰσδέχομαι Translation Options:

• “Welcome in” – Emphasizes the hospitality and openness of the reception
• “Receive fully” – Highlights the completeness of the acceptance, not merely superficial acknowledgment
• “Take into fellowship” – Captures the relational aspect implied by the middle voice
• “Embrace as one’s own” – Conveys the intimate, familial nature of the reception
• “Bring inside” – Emphasizes the spatial movement from outside to inside inherent in the prefix εἰς-

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, εἰσδέχομαι appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 6:17, where Paul quotes from Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34. This singular occurrence carries profound theological weight as it represents יהוה (Yahweh)’s promise to receive His people who separate themselves from impurity. The middle voice of the verb emphasizes God’s personal involvement and initiative in this reception, portraying Him not as a distant deity but as a Father eagerly embracing His returning children.

In the Septuagint, εἰσδέχομαι appears in several crucial passages that establish a pattern of divine reception. Ezekiel uses this term to describe יהוה (Yahweh)’s gathering of Israel from exile, while Malachi employs it to speak of God accepting offerings from a purified priesthood. These usages establish a consistent theological theme of divine acceptance conditioned upon holiness and separation from impurity.

• “Therefore, ‘Come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, and I will welcome you in [εἰσδέξομαι].” 2 Corinthians 6:17
• “I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you in [εἰσδέξομαι] to the wilderness of the peoples…” Ezekiel 20:34-35 (LXX)
• “Then I will accept [εἰσδέξομαι] men who offer sacrifices in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3-4 (LXX)
• “And you shall be received [εἰσδεχθήσεσθε] by Me, and I will be a Father to you.” 2 Samuel 7:14 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, the act of reception into one’s home carried profound cultural significance beyond mere hospitality. To be received into someone’s dwelling meant entering into their protection and provision—essentially becoming part of their household, even if temporarily. Kings would ceremonially “receive” ambassadors and subjects, signifying both their acceptance and the extension of royal protection. This background illuminates why Paul’s quotation in 2 Corinthians 6:17 carries such weight—it represents not merely God’s acknowledgment but His royal reception of believers into His divine household.

The concept also connects to the ancient Jewish practice of reception into the covenant community. When proselytes converted to Judaism, they underwent a formal process of reception that included ritual purification—mirroring the call to “touch no unclean thing” that precedes the promise of divine reception in 2 Corinthians 6:17. This cultural context reveals that εἰσδέχομαι carries connotations of formal covenant inclusion, complete with its attendant privileges and responsibilities. The Messiah Jesus later transformed this concept by emphasizing reception based not on ritual purity alone but on heart purity and genuine faith.

Theological Significance

Εἰσδέχομαι reveals a profound aspect of יהוה (Yahweh)’s character—His desire for intimate relationship with His people. The term portrays God not as a distant deity demanding worship from afar but as a Father eagerly receiving His children into His household. This reception, however, is not unconditional; it is framed within the context of holiness and separation from impurity. God’s holiness and His love are perfectly harmonized in this concept—He desires closeness with His people but cannot compromise His purity in that relationship.

This term also illuminates the covenantal nature of God’s relationship with believers. In ancient covenants, the greater party would “receive” the lesser into relationship, extending protection and privileges. By using εἰσδέχομαι to describe His action toward believers, יהוה (Yahweh) positions Himself as the covenant initiator and sustainer. This theological framework points directly to the Messiah Jesus, who through His sacrificial death made possible a new and greater reception—not just external association with God’s covenant community but internal reception into God’s very family through adoption as sons and daughters (Romans 8:15).

Personal Application

The divine promise “I will receive you” transforms our understanding of our relationship with God. Many believers struggle with feelings of rejection or unworthiness, questioning whether God truly welcomes them. Εἰσδέχομαι assures us that God not only tolerates our presence but actively draws us into intimate fellowship. This reception, however, comes with the call to “come out and be separate”—to live distinctly as God’s holy people in the midst of a compromised world.

In practical terms, this means examining our lives for areas where we have become comfortable with impurity or worldly values. The promise of divine reception motivates us to pursue holiness not from legalistic obligation but from a heart that treasures fellowship with God above all else. When we feel distant from God, we can ask ourselves: Have I been touching what is unclean? Am I living as one separated unto God? The good news is that even when we fail, the Messiah’s sacrifice provides the way back into divine reception through repentance and faith.

Related Words

• Δέχομαι (dechomai, pronounced DEKH-om-ahee) – The root verb meaning “to receive” or “to accept,” but without the specific connotation of bringing inside. Used for receiving guests, gifts, or teachings. Δέχομαι focuses more on the acceptance itself rather than the movement into relationship. See G1209
• Προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, pronounced pros-DEKH-om-ahee) – “To receive favorably” or “to expect.” Contains the prefix προς- indicating movement toward. Often used for welcoming people or awaiting something with expectation. Unlike εἰσδέχομαι, it emphasizes anticipation rather than internalization. See G4327
• Ἀναλαμβάνω (analambano, pronounced an-al-am-BAN-oh) – “To take up” or “to receive up.” Used for Christ’s ascension and for taking someone along on a journey. Differs from εἰσδέχομαι by emphasizing vertical reception rather than inward reception. See G353
• Παραλαμβάνω (paralambano, pronounced par-al-am-BAN-oh) – “To receive alongside” or “to take with oneself.” Often used for receiving traditions or taking someone along. Unlike εἰσδέχομαι, it emphasizes accompanying or associating with rather than bringing inside. See G3880
• Ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai, pronounced ap-od-EKH-om-ahee) – “To receive gladly” or “to welcome with joy.” The prefix ἀπο- intensifies the concept of reception. Focuses more on the emotion of the reception than the movement inward emphasized in εἰσδέχομαι. See G588

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the concept behind εἰσδέχομαι played a crucial role in ancient Jewish proselyte conversion? When Gentiles sought to join the covenant community of Israel, they underwent a three-part process culminating in temple sacrifice. Only after completing all steps would they be “received in” (εἰσδέχομαι) to the community. The Messiah Jesus transformed this understanding by teaching that reception into His kingdom wasn’t based on external ritual but on faith expressed through repentance—a revolutionary concept in first-century Judaism.
• Did you know that in ancient Greek households, the verb εἰσδέχομαι had specific legal implications? When a patriarch formally “received in” (εἰσδέχομαι) someone, that person gained certain rights within the household including protection, provision, and sometimes even inheritance rights. This adds profound meaning to Paul’s quotation of God saying “I will receive you in”—it implies not just acceptance but legal inclusion in God’s household with all associated privileges.
• Did you know that modern Greek still uses forms of εἰσδέχομαι in hospital contexts? The term εισαγωγή (eisagogi, from the same root) refers to admission to a hospital—a semantic development that preserves the ancient connotation of bringing someone inside for care and protection. This medical usage echoes the spiritual reality that when God “receives us in,” He does so to heal, restore, and care for us within His divine household.

Remember This

Εἰσδέχομαι reveals the heart of our covenant God—not content to acknowledge us from a distance, He eagerly receives us into intimate fellowship, transforming us from outsiders to beloved family members in His divine household.