λαγχάνω
lanchánō
G2975 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To obtain or receive (especially as the result of selection by lot or allotment), to be assigned, to attain. The verb's primary sense involves the receiving of something through a process outside one's direct choice, typically through a system of selection or distribution (such as casting lots, drawing lots, or other forms of allocation). In broader use, it can refer to being allotted or receiving a share, portion, or inheritance by any means.
Semantic Range
to receive by lot, to be assigned, to obtain (especially by lot or selection), to attain, to receive one's portion, to be chosen (by lot), to inherit
Root / Etymology
From the root λαγχ-; closely related to the noun κλῆρος (lot), though the derivational relationship is formal rather than strictly etymological. Associated with classical Greek usage of allotment or drawing by chance. The etymology beyond the Greek root is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in classical Greek from at least the 5th century BCE, λαγχάνω appears in authors such as Herodotus, Plato, and in the Septuagint. Its core concept is receiving by lot or chance, distinct from meriting or earning. In official, civic, or legal contexts (e.g., Athenian democracy), it refers to offices or privileges being assigned by lot. In Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it regularly means 'to obtain' or 'to receive as one's portion,' often with the implication of divine or external assignment. In LXX, it renders Hebrew roots related to inheritance (e.g., נָחַל, חָלַק) and casting lots (e.g., גּוֹרָל). In the New Testament, the sense is both literal (as in casting lots) and figurative (obtaining a share or inheritance). English translations as 'cast lots,' 'obtain,' or 'receive' cover most contexts but may miss the nuance of passivity or external assignment foundational to the term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is only used as an alternate in certain tenses; to lot, i.e. determine (by implication, receive) especially by lot:--his lot be, cast lots, obtain.
Root Family
λαγχάνω (lanchanō) — to obtain, to receive by lot, to be allotted
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2975-03 |
λάχωμεν | lachomen | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL |
let us cast | let us be allotted | let us be allotted | 1 |
G2975-02 |
ἔλαχεν | elachen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
received | obtained by lot | obtained by lot | 1 |
G2975-01 |
ἔλαχε | elache | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he obtained by lot | he received by lot | he received by lot | 1 |
G2975-04 |
λαχοῦσιν | lachousin | V AOR ACT PTCP DAT M PL |
who have obtained | to those having obtained by lot | having obtained by lot | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2975-01 |
Luke 1:9 | ἔλαχε | elache | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he obtained by lot | he received by lot | he received by lot |
G2975-03 |
John 19:24 | λάχωμεν | lachomen | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL |
let us cast | let us be allotted | let us be allotted |
G2975-02 |
Acts 1:17 | ἔλαχεν | elachen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
received | obtained by lot | obtained by lot |
G2975-04 |
2 Peter 1:1 | λαχοῦσιν | lachousin | V AOR ACT PTCP DAT M PL |
who have obtained | to those having obtained by lot | having obtained by lot |