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G4758 (στρατολογέω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4758
Original Word: στρατολογέω
Transliteration: stratologéō
Pronunciation: strat-ol-og-eh'-o
Part of Speech: verb
Root / Etymology: from a compound of the base of G4756 (στρατιά) and G3004 (λέγω) (in its original sense);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1879

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to gather (or select) as a warrior, i.e. enlist in the army

choose to be a soldier

from a compound of the base of G4756 (στρατιά) and G3004 (λέγω) (in its original sense);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4758: A compound of στρατός (army) and λέγω (to gather/choose), meaning to enlist soldiers or gather an army. Used metaphorically in NT to describe commitment to spiritual service. Highlights the intentional choice and dedication required in both military and spiritual service.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στρατολογέω represents the act of enlisting or recruiting soldiers, but in its New Testament context carries profound spiritual significance. Paul uses this military recruitment term to illustrate complete dedication to the Messiah. The imagery suggests both the selective nature of enrollment and the total commitment required. Early church fathers expanded on this metaphor, seeing in it a picture of how believers are specially chosen and called to serve the King of kings. Today, it reminds us that following Jesus demands deliberate commitment and exclusive loyalty.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: στρατολογέω, stratologeō, /strat-ol-og-eh'-o/
Detailed Pronunciation: strat-oh-log-EH-oh (emphasis on third syllable)
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

στρατός (stratos) - "army"
λέγω (legō) - "to gather, choose"
-έω (-eō) - verb forming suffix
Combined to mean "to gather/choose for an army"

D - Defining Meanings

To enlist soldiers
To recruit for military service
To gather an army
To muster forces

For compound words:
Στρατός (army) + λέγω (to gather) combines to express the action of selecting and gathering individuals for military service

Translation Options:

"To enlist" - Emphasizes formal recruitment
"To recruit" - Highlights selective nature
"To gather for service" - Captures both gathering and purpose

E - Exploring Similar Words

καταλέγω (katalegō) /kat-al-eg'-o/ - to enroll, more general term. See G2639
συλλέγω (syllegō) /sool-leg'-o/ - to gather together. See G4816
ἐκλέγω (eklegō) /ek-leg'-o/ - to select, choose out. See G1586

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a verb, στρατολογέω exhibits these features:

Tense: Present/Aorist
Voice: Active
Mood: Participle
Person: N/A
Number: Singular
Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Examples of morphological changes:

Present Active: στρατολογῶ (I enlist)
Aorist Active: ἐστρατολόγησα (I enlisted)
Perfect: ἐστρατολόγηκα (I have enlisted)

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its military recruitment meaning. Thayer's notes its metaphorical use in Christian context. LSJ documents its use in military administration. Vine's highlights its application to spiritual service. Strong's connects it to purposeful gathering. Moulton and Milligan show its technical use in military documents.

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T - Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

"No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who [στρατολογέω] enlisted him as a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:4

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Polybius: Histories	"The general [στρατολογέω] recruited fresh troops for the campaign."
Diodorus: Library	"They [στρατολογέω] gathered soldiers from all the provinces."
Plutarch: Lives	"The commander [στρατολογέω] enlisted only the most capable warriors."

N - Noteworthy Summary

Στρατολογέω powerfully illustrates our calling as believers. Just as a soldier is specifically chosen and enlisted for dedicated service, we are called by the Messiah for His purpose. This reminds us that following Jesus isn't casual but requires complete commitment, as we serve the commander who has chosen us for His divine mission.

D - Did You Know?

The word was used in official military recruitment documents throughout the Roman Empire.
Early Christians saw baptism as a form of στρατολογέω into God's army.
The term influenced early church organizational structure and discipline.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: enlistment, recruitment, service, dedication, commitment, military-service, spiritual-warfare, calling, discipleship, greek-verb

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