Understanding ἀπάγω (apagō) Strong’s G520: The Greek Word Revealing Divine Leading and Our Response to God’s Call

Pronunciation Guide: ah-PAH-gō (ᾰ-πᾱ́-γω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G520: ἀπάγω (apagō) fundamentally means “to lead away” or “to bring from one place to another.” The word implies active movement or transportation, often with connotations of authority or purpose in the leading. In biblical usage, it frequently carries spiritual significance, describing either being led by God’s Spirit or being led astray from truth.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from ἀπό (away from) + ἄγω (to lead/bring)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in classical Greek literature for legal contexts
• Frequently appears in contexts of spiritual guidance or warning

ἀπάγω Morphology:

• ἀπάγω (present active indicative) – I lead away
• ἀπάγει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it leads away
• ἀπαγαγεῖν (aorist active infinitive) – to lead away
• ἀπήγαγον (aorist active indicative) – I led away
• ἀπαχθήσονται (future passive indicative) – they will be led away

Origin & History

The word ἀπάγω has deep roots in classical Greek, where it was commonly used in legal terminology. Xenophon employed it in his “Memorabilia” to describe the act of bringing accused persons before magistrates. In the Septuagint, translators used ἀπάγω to render Hebrew verbs of leading or carrying away, particularly in contexts of exile or divine guidance.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Protrepticus,” expanded its usage to include spiritual leading, both positive (being led to God) and negative (being led away from truth). Origen, in his “Contra Celsum,” frequently used ἀπάγω when discussing spiritual direction and the soul’s journey toward or away from God.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To lead or bring away from one place to another
• To guide or conduct (often with authority)
• To carry off or take away (sometimes forcibly)
• To lead astray or mislead (in negative contexts)

ἀπάγω Translation Options:

• “Lead away” – Best captures the basic movement implied in the word
• “Bring forth” – Emphasizes the purposeful nature of the leading
• “Take away” – Useful when force or authority is implied
• “Guide away” – Helpful in contexts of spiritual direction
• “Draw away” – Appropriate for contexts of persuasion or enticement

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπάγω appears in several significant contexts. Its first appearance in Matthew 7:13 presents a sobering warning about the broad way that “leads to destruction.” This sets up a pattern where the word often carries weighty spiritual implications.

The word takes on profound meaning in descriptions of Jesus’ trial, where it describes His being “led away” to crucifixion. This usage creates a powerful theological picture of the Messiah’s willing submission to being led to His sacrificial death.

Cross References:

• Matthew 7:13 – “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction”
• Matthew 26:57 – “Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas”
• Matthew 27:31 – “They led Him away to crucify Him”
• Mark 14:44 – “Lead Him away safely”
• Luke 13:15 – “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall?”
• Acts 12:19 – “He commanded that they be led away to execution”
• 1 Corinthians 12:2 – “You were led astray to the mute idols”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of leading or being led held deep spiritual significance. The Hebrew people’s identity was formed through being led by God out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. The pillar of cloud by day and fire by night physically represented divine leading. This cultural understanding of God as the ultimate leader of His people provides essential context for understanding ἀπάγω in biblical texts.

The word also had significant legal connotations in both Jewish and Greek culture. In Athens, there was a legal procedure called “apagōgē” where citizens could arrest and bring criminals before magistrates. This legal background illuminates the usage of ἀπάγω in passages describing Jesus’ arrest and trial.

Theological Significance

The dual nature of ἀπάγω – its ability to describe both divine leading and misleading away from truth – presents a powerful theological picture of human free will and responsibility. The word appears in contexts describing both God’s guidance and human choice, illustrating the biblical truth that while God leads us toward life, we must choose to follow.

In the passion narratives, ἀπάγω takes on redemptive significance. The Messiah being “led away” to crucifixion represents the culmination of divine leading – God’s Son willingly allowing Himself to be led to death for our salvation. This usage transforms the word from a mere directional term to a pointer toward God’s sacrificial love.

The word’s appearance in Matthew 7:13 regarding the broad way that leads to destruction serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of our spiritual choices. Here, ἀπάγω emphasizes that all paths of life lead somewhere – either to life or destruction.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπάγω challenges us to examine what or who is leading us in life. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep, we are constantly being led – either by the Good Shepherd toward life or by other influences toward destruction. The word calls us to conscious discipleship, choosing daily to follow God’s leading rather than being led astray by worldly influences.

This word also reminds us that spiritual leading often involves movement away from our current position. Following God’s leading might require leaving behind familiar places, habits, or mindsets. Just as Abraham was led away from Ur, we too might be called to leave our comfort zones to follow God’s direction.

Related Words

• ὁδηγέω (hodēgeō) – to guide, lead, especially in matters of learning or spiritual guidance See G3594
• ἄγω (agō) – to lead, bring, carry, go See G71
• ποιμαίνω (poimainō) – to shepherd, tend, guide See G4165
• πλανάω (planaō) – to cause to wander, lead astray See G4105
• καθηγέομαι (kathēgeomai) – to guide, direct, be a leader See G2519

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀπάγω has evolved to mean “to kidnap” or “to abduct,” showing how the word’s connotation of forceful leading has intensified over time.
• The legal procedure of “apagōgē” in ancient Athens allowed citizens to arrest thieves caught in the act and lead them directly to magistrates, providing important context for understanding the word’s use in Jesus’ arrest narratives.
• In the Septuagint, ἀπάγω is used over 100 times to translate various Hebrew words related to leading, showing its importance in expressing concepts of divine guidance and human movement in biblical literature.

Remember This

ἀπάγω reminds us that every step of our spiritual journey involves being led – our eternal destination depends on whether we choose to be led by God’s truth or led astray by deception.