How should we understand λαμβάνω in John 5:34?

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How should we understand λαμβάνω in John 5:34?

ἐγὼ δὲ οὐ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου τὴν μαρτυρίαν λαμβάνω, ἀλλὰ ταῦτα λέγω ἵνα ὑμεῖς σωθῆτε. (John 5:34, NA27)

While many more literal translations translate λαμβάνω as receive or accept:

Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. (John 5:34, ESV)

I don’t receive man’s testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. (John 5:34, HCSB)

Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. (John 5:34–35, NIV)

The more paraphrased translations translate λαμβάνω differently, but with a somewhat common theme:

It is not that I must have a human witness; I say this only in order that you may be saved. (John 5:34, TEV)

Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. (John 5:34, NLT)

It is not that I need what humans say; I tell you this so you can be saved. (John 5:34, NCB)

But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. I’m speaking to you this way so that you will be saved. (John 5:34, The Message)

More specifically, I’m asking is there a linguistic reason for how λαμβάνω is paraphrased, or is it solely based on context? Even BAGD only assigns a more literal meaning to this verse:

d. receive, accept … J 5:34; ….

Arndt, W., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (1979). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature : a translation and adaption of the fourth revised and augmented edition of Walter Bauer’s Griechisch-deutsches Worterbuch zu den Schrift en des Neuen Testaments und der ubrigen urchristlichen Literatur (p. 464). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Here are some interesting facts related to the topic of John 5:34 and the Greek word “λαμβάνω”:

1. **Meaning of “λαμβάνω”**: The Greek word “λαμβάνω” (lambanō) can be translated to “receive” or “take.” It’s a versatile verb that appears frequently in the New Testament, often used to convey the action of receiving something given or taking something for oneself.

2. **Context in John 5:34**: In John 5:34, Jesus uses this word to emphasize that He doesn’t seek human testimony to validate His mission but rather that His testimony comes from God. This highlights the divine authority of His message.

3. **Theological Significance**: Understanding the nuances of “λαμβάνω” helps in grasping the deeper theological implications of the text. It underscores the idea that divine truths and revelations are to be received by believers, not merely taken for granted or superficially acknowledged.

4. **Frequency in the New Testament**: The word “λαμβάνω” appears over 260 times in the New Testament, making it one of the more commonly used Greek verbs. Its frequent usage underscores its importance in conveying the concept of receiving and accepting divine gifts and truths.

5. **Other Occurrences**: Apart from John 5:34, “λαμβάνω” is used in various significant passages, such as John 1:12 (“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God”), highlighting the transformative power of receiving Christ.

I hope these facts add a little more depth and understanding to your exploration of John 5:34! Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.