Introduction
Understanding Greek words like ζωγρέω (zōgreō) is vital for Biblical studies as it adds depth and clarity to scripture interpretation. The word ζωγρέω is particularly significant because it reflects a concept that is both literal and metaphorical in ancient texts. Commonly translated as “to capture alive,” this verb is used in contexts ranging from war to evangelism, where it conveys the idea of bringing someone to life or capturing them for a specific purpose. It has relevance not only in New Testament interpretation but also in understanding ancient Greek military and philosophical culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ζωγρέω (zōgreō), pronounced [zoh-GREH-oh].
- Etymology: Derived from ζωή (zōē) meaning “life” and ἀγρέω (agreō) meaning “to catch” or “to capture.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; a compound verb formed from two root words.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To capture alive: Often used in military contexts, meaning to capture enemies without killing them.
- To bring back to life: Can refer to restoring someone from the brink of death or converting someone spiritually.
- To take alive for a purpose: This can imply capturing someone not for harm but to guide, teach, or lead.
Similar Words: συλλαμβάνω (syllambanō), pronounced [sy-lam-BAH-no], means “to seize” or “to apprehend.” While ζωγρέω (zōgreō) emphasizes capturing alive, often with a positive or purposeful intent, συλλαμβάνω can have a broader meaning that includes violent or forcible seizure.
Further Insights: ζωγρέω is a compound verb that follows a regular conjugation pattern in ancient Greek. It combines the notion of life (ζωή) with capturing (ἀγρέω), which gives it a unique application in both literal and metaphorical senses. Below is the present active indicative conjugation:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | ζωγρέω | ζωγροῦμεν |
| 2nd Person | ζωγρεῖς | ζωγρεῖτε |
| 3rd Person | ζωγρεῖ | ζωγροῦσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines ζωγρέω as “to capture alive,” noting its use in both literal contexts (military) and metaphorical ones (spiritual salvation or persuasion).
Thayers: Describes ζωγρέω as “to take alive,” emphasizing the element of life preservation or conversion in a positive light, such as leading one to a new spiritual life.
Vines: Explains that ζωγρέω is a compound word that portrays capturing not just for imprisonment but often with a rehabilitative or transformative purpose, especially in a Christian context.
LSJ: Provides examples from classical literature where ζωγρέω is used in the sense of “catching alive” or “preserving life,” applicable in hunting, warfare, or rhetorical contexts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes that ζωγρέω appears in New Testament passages to mean “to capture alive” with an intent to transform or save, contrasting it with verbs implying harm or death.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 5:10: “And so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not fear; from now on you will be catching men [ζωγρῶν].'”
- 2 Timothy 2:26: “And they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been captured [ζωγρηθέντες] by him to do his will.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “He instructed them to capture the enemy alive [ζωγρεῖν] if possible, to use them as leverage in negotiations.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “Let us spare the lives of these captives [ζωγρηθέντες], they may fetch a good ransom.” |
| Plato | Republic | “The philosopher seeks to capture the minds of men [ζωγρεῖν] for truth, not for deceit.” |
| Septuagint | Jeremiah 40:10 | “But, you are to dwell in the land of Judah, and gather grapes and figs and oil, and put them in your vessels and dwell in your cities that you have taken [ζωγρημένων].” |
| Septuagint | Ezekiel 13:18 | “And you hunt the souls of my people, to keep them alive [ζωγρεῖν].” |
| Septuagint | Joshua 2:13 | “Save alive [ζωγρεῖν] my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have.” |
Summary of ζωγρέω (G2221: zōgreō)
The Greek verb ζωγρέω (zōgreō), meaning “to capture alive,” is a versatile word with applications ranging from military to evangelistic contexts. Its compound nature—combining life and capturing—adds layers of meaning, highlighting both the physical act of sparing lives and the spiritual act of converting or transforming individuals. In the New Testament, ζωγρέω is used to illustrate the mission of drawing people to new life, similar to how one might capture living creatures for a higher purpose. The word reflects a concept of purposeful preservation, making it a powerful metaphor in both Biblical and classical literature.
Did You Know?
- In ancient Greek military tactics, capturing enemies alive (ζωγρέω) could be more valuable than killing them, as captives could be used for ransom or as bargaining tools.
- ζωγρέω is used in the New Testament to describe the evangelistic mission of the apostles, where they are “capturing” souls for Christ.
- The metaphor of “catching alive” extends to philosophical and rhetorical contexts in Greek literature, where it can refer to winning someone over to a particular line of thinking or way of life.
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