ἀντίληψις
antílēpsis
G484 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Act of taking hold in aid or support, assistance; specifically, an act of providing help or service that supports someone in a tangible way. In broader contexts, encompasses the sense of participation through giving help, supporting, or sharing a burden. In some uses, especially in religious or philosophical contexts, refers to a spiritual or ministerial act of providing support within a community.
Semantic Range
assistance, support, aid, helpful service, participation in aid; (in religious context) a spiritual gift of providing support to others
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἀντιλαμβάνομαι ('to take hold of, to help, to support'), which itself is formed from ἀντί ('in return, against') + λαμβάνω ('to take, to receive').
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested classically as 'grasping' or 'taking hold' literally, but by Hellenistic and Koine periods (including the New Testament), ἀντίληψις focuses on acts of assistance and support, often within the context of communal or spiritual life. In 1 Corinthians 12:28, it is listed among spiritual gifts—interpreted as roles in the early assemblies providing support, aid, or collective help. Traditional translations such as 'help' may underrepresent the proactive, participatory dimension implied by the term, which conveys not merely casual help but actively sharing in burdens or responsibilities. Distinguished from more general words for help (e.g., βοήθεια), ἀντίληψις emphasizes an active role in assisting or aiding others. In the Septuagint, its usage is rare or absent; its NT usage reflects development within early ecclesial contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀντιλαμβάνομαι; relief:--help.
Root Family
ἀντίληψις (antilēpsis) — assistance, support, taking hold in aid, helpful service
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G484-01 |
ἀντιλήμψεις | antilempseis | N ACC F PL |
helps | acts of support | acts of support | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G484-01 |
1 Corinthians 12:28 | ἀντιλήμψεις | antilempseis | N ACC F PL |
helps | acts of support | acts of support |