Brief Overview of συναρπάζω (Strong’s G4884: synarpazō)

Strong’s G4884: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἁρπάζω (to seize), meaning to seize forcefully, to grab violently together. In NT usage, it describes both demonic possession’s violent control and mob violence, emphasizing overwhelming force against an individual.

U- Unveiling the Word

συναρπάζω represents forceful seizure or violent taking. As a compound word, it combines collective force with sudden seizure, creating a term that describes overwhelming power against someone. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of demonic possession and mob violence, particularly in Luke-Acts. The early church understood this term as expressing both spiritual and physical opposition to God’s people. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of spiritual warfare and persecution, reminding us of both demonic and human opposition to the gospel.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συναρπάζω, synarpazō, /soon-ar-PAD-zoh/
• Detailed Pronunciation: soon (as in ‘soon’) + ar (as in ‘car’) + PAD (as in ‘pad’) + zoh (as in ‘zone’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with, together”
• ἁρπάζω (harpazō): verb meaning “to seize, snatch”
• The combination intensifies the violent nature of the seizing

D – Defining Meanings

• To seize violently
• To grab forcefully
• To take by force together
• To overwhelm completely
• To snatch away violently

For compound words:
σύν intensifies the action, while ἁρπάζω contributes the concept of violent seizure, creating a word that describes overwhelming force.

Translation Options:

1. “To seize violently” – Best captures the forceful nature
2. “To grab forcefully” – Emphasizes the physical action
3. “To take by force” – Highlights the overwhelming power

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἁρπάζω (harpazō) /har-PAD-zoh/ – to seize or snatch individually. See G726
• βιάζω (biazō) /bee-AD-zoh/ – to use force, violence. See G971
• καταδυναστεύω (katadynasteuō) /ka-ta-doo-nas-TYOO-oh/ – to exercise power over. See G2616

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present), Perfective (aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• Present Active: συναρπάζω (I seize violently)
• Aorist Active: συνήρπασα (I seized violently)
• Perfect Passive: συνήρπασμαι (I have been seized violently)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the violent nature of the action. Thayer’s notes its use in describing overwhelming force. LSJ provides evidence of use in military contexts. Vine’s connects it to spiritual warfare. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of collective force. LEH notes its use in describing violent attacks. Moulton and Milligan find evidence of its use in describing mob violence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Luke 8:29: “For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized [συνηρπάκει] him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles.”

Additional References:
Acts 6:12, Acts 19:29, Acts 27:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συναρπάζω powerfully illustrates the reality of spiritual and physical opposition to God’s kingdom. Yet the good news of King Jesus is that He has overcome all opposing forces. This word reminds us that while both demonic and human opposition can be intense, the Messiah’s power is greater, as demonstrated in His authority over demons and His ultimate victory over persecution.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in both supernatural and natural contexts of violence
2. It was commonly used in ancient maritime contexts for storms overwhelming ships
3. Early church martyrdom accounts often used this term to describe arrests

Strong’s G4884: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and ἁρπάζω (to seize), meaning to seize forcefully, to grab violently together. In NT usage, it describes both demonic possession’s violent control and mob violence, emphasizing overwhelming force against an individual.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: violence, seizure, spiritual warfare, persecution, demonic possession, mob violence, opposition, forceful taking, spiritual conflict, physical force, overwhelming power, violent opposition​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​