Pronunciation Guide: ahee-khmal-o-TID-zo

Basic Definition

Strong’s G163: To take captive, to lead away captive, to subject to one’s control. This military term literally means “to take by the spear” but developed broader applications for any form of captivity or bringing under control, whether physical or spiritual.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Compound word from αἰχμή (spear point) and ἁλωτός (taken, captured)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in military contexts and metaphorical spiritual warfare

αἰχμαλωτίζω Morphology:

• αἰχμαλωτίζω (present active) – I take captive
• αἰχμαλωτίσω (future active) – I will take captive
• αἰχμαλωτίζομαι (present passive) – I am being taken captive
• αἰχμαλωτισθήσομαι (future passive) – I will be taken captive
• ᾐχμαλώτισα (aorist active) – I took captive

Origin & History

The term emerged from classical Greek military contexts, where αἰχμή referred specifically to the point of a spear or lance. The compound verb αἰχμαλωτίζω developed to describe the act of taking prisoners of war, particularly those captured at spear-point. Xenophon uses this term extensively in his “Cyropaedia” when describing Persian military campaigns and the treatment of captives.

In Hellenistic Greek, the word broadened beyond strictly military usage to encompass any form of captivity or bringing under control. This semantic development paralleled similar patterns in other military vocabulary that acquired metaphorical meanings in philosophical and religious contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To take prisoner by military force
• To bring into subjection or under control
• To capture or seize physically or spiritually
• To lead away as captive

αἰχμαλωτίζω Translation Options:

• “Take captive” – Emphasizes the active seizure and control aspect
• “Lead away as prisoner” – Highlights the movement and displacement component
• “Bring into subjection” – Focuses on the resulting state of control
• “Make captive” – Emphasizes the transformative action
• “Take prisoner” – Maintains military connotation while being accessible

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, αἰχμαλωτίζω appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Its first appearance in Luke 21:24 refers to the literal taking of captives during Jerusalem’s destruction. However, Paul frequently employs the term metaphorically to describe spiritual warfare and the battle for human minds and hearts.

The Septuagint uses αἰχμαλωτίζω extensively in prophetic literature, particularly regarding Israel’s exile and God’s sovereign control over nations. This background enriches New Testament usage by connecting physical captivity to spiritual realities.

• “They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive [αἰχμαλωτισθήσονται] among all nations” Luke 21:24
• “taking every thought captive [αἰχμαλωτίζοντες] to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5
• “they are taken captive [αἰχμαλωτίζοντες] by him to do his will” 2 Timothy 2:26
• “take captive [αἰχμαλωτίζοντες] silly women” 2 Timothy 3:6
• “bringing me into captivity [αἰχμαλωτίζοντά] to the law of sin” Romans 7:23

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, captivity was a common fate following military defeat. Captives would be led in triumphal processions, often bound together with ropes or chains, symbolizing their complete subjugation to the victor. This vivid imagery would have resonated powerfully with first-century readers who had witnessed Roman triumphal processions or heard stories of them.

The practice of taking captives was also economically significant, as prisoners often became slaves or were ransomed back to their families. This economic dimension adds depth to Paul’s metaphorical usage, suggesting not just control but also transfer of ownership and the possibility of redemption.

Theological Significance

The dual nature of αἰχμαλωτίζω in Scripture reveals profound theological truths about human bondage and divine liberation. On one level, it describes our natural state of captivity to sin, as Paul articulates in Romans 7:23. This captivity is real and binding, requiring divine intervention for release.

However, the term also appears in contexts of redemptive captivity – being taken captive by Christ and His truth (2 Corinthians 10:5). This paradox reveals that true freedom comes through willing submission to the Messiah. Our thoughts, once captive to sin, can be liberated through becoming captive to Christ.

The word also connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty, as seen in how He uses even hostile powers to accomplish His purposes, just as He used Babylon to discipline Israel. This demonstrates how God can work through captivity to bring about spiritual transformation and ultimate freedom.

Personal Application

Understanding αἰχμαλωτίζω challenges us to examine what holds us captive in our daily lives. Are our thoughts, habits, and desires led captive by worldly influences, or are we actively bringing them under Christ’s authority? The military imagery reminds us that spiritual warfare is real, requiring vigilance and active engagement.

This word also offers hope by reminding us that no captivity is beyond God’s redemptive power. Just as He promised to restore Israel from physical exile, He can liberate us from whatever holds us bound, transforming our captivity into an opportunity for deeper communion with Him.

Related Words

• δουλόω (douloō) [doo-LO-o] – to enslave, bring under subjection, emphasizing the servant relationship rather than military capture – See G1402
• δεσμεύω (desmeuō) [des-MYOO-o] – to bind, tie up, focusing on the physical act of restraining – See G1195
• συλαγωγέω (sulagōgeō) [soo-la-go-GEH-o] – to carry off as spoil, emphasizing plunder rather than personal capture – See G4812
• παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi) [pa-ra-DI-do-mee] – to hand over, deliver up, highlighting the transfer of control – See G3860

Did you Know?

• The spear imagery in αἰχμαλωτίζω provides a fascinating connection to Roman military practice, where the spear (hasta) was used in formal ceremonies to symbolize legitimate transfer of ownership, including in slave sales.
• In modern Greek, derivatives of αἰχμαλωτίζω are still used in contexts of war prisoners, showing the enduring military connection of this word family over thousands of years.
• The concept of “taking thoughts captive” in 2 Corinthians 10:5 uses the present active participle, suggesting an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, encouraging believers to see this as a continuous spiritual discipline.

Remember This

In God’s economy, being taken captive by His truth leads to genuine freedom, while perceived independence often masks the deepest bondage.