Brief Overview of ἁρπαγμός (G725: harpagmós)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: harpagmós

Root Words:

• ἁρπάζω (harpázō): The verb meaning “to seize” or “to snatch away.”

Primary Meanings:

• Seizure: The term ἁρπαγμός generally refers to “a seizure” or “a taking by force,” often used in the context of forcibly taking or grasping something.
• Robbery/Plunder: It can also denote an act of robbery or plundering, where something is forcibly taken.
• Unlawful Taking: In some contexts, it implies an unlawful or unjust taking, similar to theft.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἁρπαγμός as “a seizure” or “a plundering.” It describes it as the act of taking something by force or fraud. BDAG notes that it can refer to both physical and metaphorical seizure, including the concept of usurpation.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἁρπαγμός as “a plundering” or “robbery,” specifically referring to an act of taking forcibly or by fraud.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary interprets ἁρπαγμός similarly, noting its meaning as “seizure” or “robbery,” with a focus on the forceful nature of the act.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἁρπαγμός as “plunder” or “seizure,” emphasizing its use in describing acts of taking by force.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἁρπαγμός as “plundering” or “seizure,” noting its application to acts of taking forcibly.

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Bible Verses:

• Philippians 2:6 (KJV): “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”
• In this verse, ἁρπαγμός is used metaphorically to describe something not to be seized by force, referring to Christ’s equality with God.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἁρπαγμός is used to describe acts of seizing or plundering:

• Herodotus’ Histories (circa 5th century BC): Discusses various instances of plundering and seizing goods during conflicts and invasions.
• Xenophon’s Anabasis (circa 4th century BC): Contains references to the seizure of property and resources during military expeditions.
• Aristotle’s Rhetoric (circa 4th century BC): Includes discussions on the legal and moral implications of seizure and robbery.

4. Summary:

ἁρπαγμός (G725: harpagmós) denotes “seizure” or “plundering,” reflecting the act of forcibly taking something. BDAG and other lexicons confirm its use in both physical and metaphorical contexts of taking by force. Classic Greek literature provides examples of its application in warfare and legal discussions. The term encapsulates both its literal sense of taking by force and its broader implications in discussions of usurpation and theft.