Brief Overview of αἰχμαλωτεύω (G162)

The Greek word αἰχμαλωτεύω (aichmaloteúō) means “to capture” or “to take captive.” It refers to the act of taking someone as a prisoner, typically in a military context. This term is used to describe the action of capturing or holding someone captive, especially in warfare or conflict.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G162 αἰχμαλωτεύω (aichmaloteúō): Strong’s defines this term as “to capture” or “to take captive.” It describes the action of capturing someone, often in a military or conflict situation. This term emphasizes the process of taking prisoners, particularly in wartime. For instance, it is used in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to describe the act of taking thoughts captive, metaphorically referring to controlling or bringing into subjection.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰχμαλωτεύω means “to capture” or “to take captive.” Thayer’s explains that this term involves the action of taking someone prisoner, usually in a military context. It also includes metaphorical uses, such as capturing or bringing thoughts into subjection (e.g., 2 Corinthians 10:5). Thayer’s highlights the term’s application in both literal and figurative contexts.

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

• BDB does not specifically cover αἰχμαλωτεύω. However, based on Strong’s and Thayer’s, the term can be understood as “to capture” or “to take captive,” referring to the act of imprisoning someone, particularly in warfare. It encompasses both the literal act of taking prisoners and metaphorical uses of subjugation or control.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰχμαλωτεύω as “to capture” or “to take captive.” It describes the act of taking someone as a prisoner, especially in a military or conflict scenario. The lexicon notes that this term can also be used metaphorically to refer to capturing or controlling thoughts and ideas (e.g., 2 Corinthians 10:5). LSJ emphasizes both the literal and figurative aspects of the term.

In summary, αἰχμαλωτεύω refers to the act of capturing or taking someone as a prisoner, particularly in the context of warfare or conflict, and can also be used metaphorically to describe the subjugation or control of thoughts and ideas.