Strong’s G4951: A verb meaning “to draw, drag, or pull.” Used in John’s Gospel to describe drawing in nets full of fish, symbolizing the gathering of souls into God’s kingdom, and in Acts depicting both persecution and divine gathering.

U- Unveiling the Word

σύρω carries rich imagery of forceful drawing or dragging, appearing in both positive and challenging contexts. In John’s Gospel, it describes disciples drawing in a miraculous catch of fish, symbolizing the gathering of believers. In Acts, it appears in contexts of persecution when believers are dragged to prison. The early church saw this dual usage as representing both the power of divine calling and the reality of suffering for faith. Today, it reminds us that the Messiah both draws people to Himself and sustains them through persecution.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύρω, syrō, SEE-roh
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘see’ as in ‘see’, ‘roh’ as in ‘row’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word related to ancient motion and drawing
• Possibly onomatopoeic origin suggesting dragging sound
• Basic meaning involves forceful movement
• Often implies resistance or weight in the drawing

D – Defining Meanings

• To draw
• To drag
• To pull forcibly
• To haul
• To trail along

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but forms the basis for several compounds

Translation Options:

1. “To drag” – Emphasizes forceful movement
2. “To draw” – Captures both gentle and forceful pulling
3. “To haul” – Best for contexts involving heavy objects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἕλκω (helkō, HEL-koh) – to draw, attract – See G1670
• κατασύρω (katasyro, ka-ta-SEE-roh) – to drag down – See G2694
• ἀνασπάω (anaspaō, an-as-PAH-oh) – to draw up – See G385

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, σύρω exhibits these features:

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

Examples:

• Present: I drag, you drag, he/she/it drags
• Future: will drag
• Aorist: dragged

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σύρω’s use in both fishing and persecution contexts. Thayer’s notes its forceful nature. LSJ documents extensive maritime usage. Vine’s connects it to spiritual drawing. Strong’s highlights its basic meaning of trailing or drawing. LEH traces similar usage patterns in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan find it common in physical labor contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
The other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) [σύρω] dragging the net with fishes. John 21:8

Additional References:
Acts 8:3
Acts 14:19
Acts 17:6
Revelation 12:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σύρω powerfully illustrates both the gathering power of the gospel and the reality of persecution. From the miraculous catch of fish to the dragging of believers to prison, this word reminds us that following the Messiah involves both divine drawing and potential suffering for His name.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient fishing documentation
2. Early martyrdom accounts frequently employed this term
3. It appears in ancient shipbuilding texts describing vessel construction

Strong’s G4951: A verb meaning “to draw, drag, or pull.” Used in John’s Gospel to describe drawing in nets full of fish, symbolizing the gathering of souls into God’s kingdom, and in Acts depicting both persecution and divine gathering.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: drawing, dragging, persecution, fishing, gathering, missions, suffering, divine power, evangelism, harvest​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​