ζωγρέω
zōgréō
G2221 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To take or capture someone or something alive, often with the intent of holding them as a prisoner or sparing life, rather than killing; in certain contexts, it extends metaphorically to mean to bring someone under control or influence, typically through persuasion or spiritual means. While the core lexeme emphasizes the act of preserving life in capture, the verb may occur both in literal (securing prisoners of war or animals alive) and figurative (winning or saving persons) senses.
Semantic Range
to capture alive (in war or hunting), to spare and take prisoner, to take or win over (metaphorically), to ensnare or capture for a new purpose
Root / Etymology
From ζωή ('life, living being') + ἀγρέω/ἀγρεύω ('to catch, hunt, take'). The verb ζωγρέω is a compound meaning 'to take alive' or 'to capture living.' Root: ζωγρ- combines 'living' (ζω-) and 'capture/hunt' (-γρέω).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ζωγρέω typically refers to capturing foes or animals alive, especially in military or hunting contexts, as opposed to killing. Used in the Septuagint to describe the practice of sparing life when capturing cities or individuals (e.g., Num 31:15, Josh 2:13 LXX). In the New Testament, especially Luke 5:10, the word is used figuratively for 'catching' people alive for a new purpose (i.e., 'you will be catching people'), carrying a positive nuance of saving rather than destroying. Standard English translations often render the word as 'take captive' or 'catch,' but these may not fully convey the nuance of preserving life within capture. The term is distinct from simple forms of 'seize' or 'ensnare,' since it explicitly involves the aspect of retaining the life of what is taken.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as ζῶον and ἀγρεύω; to take alive (make a prisoner of war), i.e. (figuratively) to capture or ensnare:--take captive, catch.
Root Family
ζωγρέω (zōgreō) — to capture alive, to take as a living prisoner, to ensnare while preserving life
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2221-02 |
ζωγρῶν | zogron | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
catching-alive | capturing alive | 1 |
G2221-01 |
ἐζωγρημένοι | ezogremenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
having been held captive | having been captured alive | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2221-02 |
Luke 5:10 | ζωγρῶν | zogron | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
catching-alive | capturing alive |
G2221-01 |
2 Timothy 2:26 | ἐζωγρημένοι | ezogremenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
having been held captive | having been captured alive |