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ἀντικαλέω

antikaléō

G479 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To invite in return, to issue a reciprocal or responsive invitation; that is, to summon, call, or request someone's presence as a reply or counterpart to their own invitation. Contextually, the term is used when a host responds to a previous invitation by inviting the inviter, emphasizing social reciprocity in hosting or banquet settings. The sense of the word conveys a social exchange rather than simply issuing an initial invitation.

Semantic Range

to issue a reciprocal invitation, to invite in return, to call back as a social courtesy, to return an invitation

Root / Etymology

From ἀντί ('in return, opposite, against') and καλέω ('to call, to summon, to invite'). Compound formation indicating a reciprocal or responsive action of calling or inviting.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in Koine Greek, specifically in the New Testament (Luke 14:12), where ἀντικαλέω refers to inviting someone back as a return of hospitality, reflecting the social customs of reciprocity in meal invitations. Rare outside biblical sources, but consistent with broader Greek social norms of reciprocal dealings expressed by ἀντί-compounds. In this context, the word does not simply mean 'to invite again' (as in repeating an invitation), but especially 'to invite as a return courtesy.' Standard English translations as 'bid again' may obscure the core sense of social reciprocity. Comparable reciprocating verbs exist in other Greek hospitality contexts, but καλέω with ἀντί highlights the aspect of exchange or response. Not attested in the Septuagint; primarily a New Testament term reflecting Hellenistic-era hospitality conventions.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀντί and καλέω; to invite in return:--bid again.

Root Family

ἀντικαλέω (antikaleō) — to call, to summon, to invite in return

Root καλέω to call, to summon, to invite

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G479-01 ἀντικαλέσωσίν antikalesosin V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL bid they might invite in return they might invite in return 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G479-01 Luke 14:12 ἀντικαλέσωσίν antikalesosin V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL bid they might invite in return they might invite in return
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