Brief Overview of αἰχμάλωτος (G164)

The Greek word αἰχμάλωτος (aichmálōtos) means “captive” or “prisoner.” It refers to someone who has been captured and held as a prisoner, often in a military or conflict context. This term denotes the condition of being taken and held against one’s will, particularly after being captured in war or other conflicts.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G164 αἰχμάλωτος (aichmálōtos): Strong’s defines this term as “captive” or “prisoner.” It describes someone who has been taken captive and is held as a prisoner, often following a military conflict or capture. The term is used to convey the state of being imprisoned or held against one’s will, particularly in contexts involving warfare.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰχμάλωτος means “captive” or “prisoner.” Thayer’s explains that this term refers to a person who has been taken captive and is being held in imprisonment, usually as a result of military conquest or conflict. The lexicon highlights the term’s use in describing the condition of being a prisoner or held against one’s will.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB does not specifically cover αἰχμάλωτος. However, based on Strong’s and Thayer’s, the term can be understood as “captive” or “prisoner,” indicating someone who is held captive or imprisoned, particularly in a military or conflict setting. It emphasizes the state of being under control and held against one’s will.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰχμάλωτος as “captive” or “prisoner.” It describes the state of being held as a prisoner, particularly following capture in a conflict or war. The lexicon highlights the term’s application in contexts involving military captivity and imprisonment.

In summary, αἰχμάλωτος refers to someone who is a captive or prisoner, especially in the context of warfare or conflict, and conveys the condition of being held against one’s will.