Accept, Acceptable, Accepted

Accept, Acceptable, Accepted (properly רָצָה, ratsah' to take pleasure in δέχομαι). To accept is not only to receive, but to receive with pleasure and kindness (Ge 32:20). It stands opposed to reject, which is a direct mode of refusal, and implies a positive sentiment of disapprobation (Jer 6:30; Jer 7:29). To receive, is an act of right — we receive what is our own; to accept, is an act of courtesy — we accept what is offered by another. Hence an acceptable time, or accepted time (Ps 69:13; 2Co 6:2), signifies a favorable opportunity. "No prophet is accepted in his own country" (Lu 4:24), that is to say, his own countrymen do not value and honor him as they ought. "Neither acceptest thou the person of any" (Lu 20:21). The word person here is intended to denote the outward appearance in contrast with inward character. SEE ACCESS.