Brief Overview of συλαγωγέω (Strong’s G4812: sulagōgeō)

Strong’s G4812: A compound verb combining σῦλον (spoil) and ἄγω (to lead), meaning “to carry off as spoil” or “to rob through deception.” In Pauline usage, it specifically warns against being spiritually plundered through false philosophy and empty deceits that oppose the Messiah.

U – Unveiling the Word

Συλαγωγέω represents a powerful metaphor of spiritual robbery through deceptive teaching. As a compound word, it combines the concept of plunder with the act of leading away, creating a vivid picture of being taken captive through deception. In Colossians 2:8, Paul uses this term to warn against philosophical systems that rob believers of their spiritual wealth in the Messiah. Early church fathers employed this word to warn against heresies and false teachings that would strip Christians of their faith. Today, it remains relevant as a warning against ideologies and philosophies that would rob believers of their freedom and fullness in the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συλαγωγέω, sulagōgeō, /soo-la-go-GEH-oh/
• Pronunciation: soo-la-go-GEH-oh (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σῦλον (sulon): spoil or plunder
• ἄγω (agō): to lead or carry away
• -έω (-eō): verb ending
  The combination creates the concept of leading away as plunder

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To carry off as spoil
2. To plunder through deception
3. To rob by leading astray
4. To take captive through false teaching

For compound words:

• σῦλον (sulon): conveys the idea of plunder or spoil
• ἄγω (agō): adds the notion of leading or carrying away
  Together they describe spiritual kidnapping through deception

Translation Options:

1. “Take captive” – Emphasizes the enslaving nature
2. “Rob through deception” – Highlights the deceptive aspect
3. “Plunder” – Captures the idea of spiritual theft

E – Exploring Similar Words

• αἰχμαλωτίζω (aichmalōtizō) /aikh-ma-lo-TID-zo/ – focuses on taking captive in warfare. See G163
• ἁρπάζω (harpazō) /har-PAD-zo/ – emphasizes seizing or snatching away. See G726
• πλανάω (planaō) /pla-NAH-oh/ – stresses leading astray or deceiving. See G4105

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Simple (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: συλαγωγῶ – I am taking captive
• Future Active: συλαγωγήσω – I will take captive
• Aorist Participle: συλαγωγήσας – having taken captive

Cross-references:

• Noun: συλαγωγία (sulagōgia)
• Adjective: συλαγωγικός (sulagōgikos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in warning against spiritual deception. Thayer’s notes its military origin. LSJ provides examples from plundering contexts. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical use in Colossians. Strong’s connects it to the concept of spiritual robbery. LEH discusses similar terms in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in contexts of theft and deception.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one [takes you captive] {συλαγωγέω} by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to the Messiah.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, it appears only in Colossians 2:8.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συλαγωγέω powerfully warns against the spiritual danger of false teaching. It promotes the good news by reminding us that in the Messiah we have all spiritual treasures, and we must guard against anything that would rob us of this inheritance. The word calls us to remain vigilant in maintaining our freedom and fullness in King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was commonly used in military contexts for the plundering of temples.
2. Early church writers used this word to describe the tactics of Gnostic teachers.
3. The concept influenced medieval Christian warnings about spiritual warfare.

Strong’s G4812: A compound verb combining σῦλον (spoil) and ἄγω (to lead), meaning “to carry off as spoil” or “to rob through deception.” In Pauline usage, it specifically warns against being spiritually plundered through false philosophy and empty deceits that oppose the Messiah.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: deception, false-teaching, spiritual-warfare, colossians, paul, philosophy, heresy, spiritual-danger, truth, doctrine, spiritual-protection, discernment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​