Brief Overview of στρατολογέω (Strong’s G4758: stratologeō)

Strong’s G4758: A compound of στρατός (army) and λέγω (to gather/choose), meaning to enlist soldiers or gather an army. Used metaphorically in NT to describe commitment to spiritual service. Highlights the intentional choice and dedication required in both military and spiritual service.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στρατολογέω represents the act of enlisting or recruiting soldiers, but in its New Testament context carries profound spiritual significance. Paul uses this military recruitment term to illustrate complete dedication to the Messiah. The imagery suggests both the selective nature of enrollment and the total commitment required. Early church fathers expanded on this metaphor, seeing in it a picture of how believers are specially chosen and called to serve the King of kings. Today, it reminds us that following Jesus demands deliberate commitment and exclusive loyalty.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στρατολογέω, stratologeō, /strat-ol-og-eh’-o/
• Detailed Pronunciation: strat-oh-log-EH-oh (emphasis on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• στρατός (stratos) – “army”
• λέγω (legō) – “to gather, choose”
• -έω (-eō) – verb forming suffix
  Combined to mean “to gather/choose for an army”

D – Defining Meanings

• To enlist soldiers
• To recruit for military service
• To gather an army
• To muster forces

For compound words:
Στρατός (army) + λέγω (to gather) combines to express the action of selecting and gathering individuals for military service

Translation Options:

1. “To enlist” – Emphasizes formal recruitment
2. “To recruit” – Highlights selective nature
3. “To gather for service” – Captures both gathering and purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. καταλέγω (katalegō) /kat-al-eg’-o/ – to enroll, more general term. See G2639
2. συλλέγω (syllegō) /sool-leg’-o/ – to gather together. See G4816
3. ἐκλέγω (eklegō) /ek-leg’-o/ – to select, choose out. See G1586

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, στρατολογέω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present/Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Examples of morphological changes:

• Present Active: στρατολογῶ (I enlist)
• Aorist Active: ἐστρατολόγησα (I enlisted)
• Perfect: ἐστρατολόγηκα (I have enlisted)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its military recruitment meaning. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical use in Christian context. LSJ documents its use in military administration. Vine’s highlights its application to spiritual service. Strong’s connects it to purposeful gathering. Moulton and Milligan show its technical use in military documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who [στρατολογέω] enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στρατολογέω powerfully illustrates our calling as believers. Just as a soldier is specifically chosen and enlisted for dedicated service, we are called by the Messiah for His purpose. This reminds us that following Jesus isn’t casual but requires complete commitment, as we serve the commander who has chosen us for His divine mission.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in official military recruitment documents throughout the Roman Empire.
2. Early Christians saw baptism as a form of στρατολογέω into God’s army.
3. The term influenced early church organizational structure and discipline.

Strong’s G4758: A compound of στρατός (army) and λέγω (to gather/choose), meaning to enlist soldiers or gather an army. Used metaphorically in NT to describe commitment to spiritual service. Highlights the intentional choice and dedication required in both military and spiritual service.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: enlistment, recruitment, service, dedication, commitment, military-service, spiritual-warfare, calling, discipleship, greek-verb​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​