Berean Strong's Lexicon zógreó: To capture alive, to catch, to take alive Original Word: ζωγρέω Word Origin: From the combination of two Greek words: "ζωός" (zōos), meaning "alive" or "living," and "ἀγρεύω" (agreúō), meaning "to catch" or "to capture." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "zógreó," the concept of capturing or taking alive can be seen in Hebrew words like "לָכַד" (lakad), which means to capture or seize. Usage: The verb "zógreó" is used in the New Testament to describe the act of capturing or taking something alive. It conveys the idea of not just capturing for destruction, but for preservation and continued life. This term is often used metaphorically in the context of evangelism, where individuals are "caught" or "captured" for the kingdom of God, implying a transformation from spiritual death to life. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient world, the concept of capturing something alive was significant in both military and hunting contexts. Capturing an enemy alive could mean gaining valuable intelligence or securing a ransom. In fishing, which is the context in which Jesus uses the term, it implies a skillful and purposeful act. The metaphor of fishing for people, as used by Jesus, would have resonated with His disciples, many of whom were fishermen by trade, and it underscored the mission of bringing people into the kingdom of God. HELPS Word-studies 2221 zōgréō (from zōos, "alive, living" and 64 /agreúō, "to capture") – properly, catch alive (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as zóon and agreuó Definition to catch alive NASB Translation catching (1), held captive (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2221: ζωγρέωζωγρέω, ζώγρω; perfect passive participle ἐζωγρημενος; (ζοως alive, and ἀγρέω (poetic form of ἀγρεύω, which see)); 1. to take alive (Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, others; the Sept.). 2. universally, to take, catch, capture: ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ' αὐτοῦ (i. e. τοῦ διαβόλου) εἰς τό ἐκείνου θέλημα, if they are held captive to do his will, 2 Timothy 2:26 (others make ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ' αὐτοῦ parenthetic and refer ἐκείνου to God; see ἐκεῖνος, 1 c.; cf. Ellicott, in the place cited); ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν, thou shalt catch men, i. e. by teaching thou shalt win their souls for the kingdom of God, Luke 5:10. From the same as zoon and agreuo; to take alive (make a prisoner of war), i.e. (figuratively) to capture or ensnare -- take captive, catch. see GREEK zoon see GREEK agreuo Englishman's Concordance Luke 5:10 V-PPA-NMSGRK: ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν NAS: from now on you will be catching men. KJV: henceforth thou shalt catch men. INT: men you will be catching 2 Timothy 2:26 V-RPM/P-NMP Strong's Greek 2221 |