Greek · G2975 · unreviewed

λαγχάνω

To choose by lot

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

λαγχάνω G2975
Pronunciation lanchánō

What does λαγχάνω (lanchánō) mean in the Bible?

λαγχάνω (lanchánō) is a Greek word meaning "to choose by lot". λαγχάνω [in LXX: 1Ki.

Full entry for λαγχάνω (G2975) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

to choose by lot
Extended definition

Obtaining something by casting lots; God's providential selection through seemingly random means.

1to obtain by lot, to obtain (in cl., with genitive): with inf. art. (B1., § 36, 3; 71, 3), Luk.1:9; with accusative of thing(s), Act.1:17, 2Pe.1:1.
2to draw lots: before περί, Jhn.19:24
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Aorist
Voices
Active
Indicative states a fact or reality
Aorist Active Luke 1:9 · Acts 1:17
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose
Aorist Active John 19:24
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality
Aorist Active 2 Pet 1:1
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 4 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
completed 2 subjunctive 1 participle 1
Tense
aorist 4
Voice
active 4
Mood
indicative 2 participle 1 subjunctive 1

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Appears In

Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources