σύρω (G4951) — Greek Lexicon

σύρω

sýrō

G4951 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To drag or pull along (often with implied force), particularly over a surface. In extended contexts, to draw, haul or bring along by force, typically referring to people or objects being forcibly moved. The verb can denote various degrees of physical compulsion, from gently pulling to rough dragging, depending on context. Frequently used in situations involving arrest, capture, or the removal of something or someone against their will.

Semantic Range

to drag forcibly, to pull along (especially over a surface), to haul, to bring or lead by force, to trail, to draw forcibly, (legal/judiciary) to bring persons before authorities or courts

Root / Etymology

Rooted in the verb σύρω, with earliest attestations in classical Greek. Etymologically related to other Greek verbs of drawing, but the precise derivation is uncertain; possibly related to the root of αἱρέω ('to take, seize').

Historical & Contextual Notes

Σύρω appears in both classical and Koine Greek literature. In classical Greek, it is sometimes used for dragging bodies or objects along the ground or for drawing out lines (e.g., in geometry). In Hellenistic and New Testament usage, the verb commonly applies to the forceful or public dragging of individuals, often as part of legal or punitive action (e.g., Acts 8:3, Acts 17:6). The Septuagint employs σύρω in several passages for forcibly pulling or leading people, especially in contexts of violence or judicial action. Unlike ἕλκω, which can refer to gentle drawing or attracting, σύρω more often implies rough or compelled movement, typically across a surface. English translations frequently render it as 'drag' or 'haul,' capturing the forced aspect but sometimes missing the specific connotation of public spectacle or humiliation present in some contexts. The semantic scope is narrower than some related verbs, focusing primarily on physical dragging rather than metaphorical drawing.

Translation Consistency

primary "drag" 1 occurrence

"Drag" is the most natural, common English verb that captures the primary sense of σύρω: pulling or hauling along a surface, often by force. It fits both physical and judicial contexts (e.g., dragging someone off or dragging someone before authorities), and matches the attested English renderings (dragged/dragging/drags) while remaining simple and consistent for all inflected forms.

Alternatives (4 occurrences):

"dragged" (2x) "dragging" (1x) "dragging along" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably akin to αἱρέομαι; to trail:--drag, draw, hale.

Root Family

σύρω (sýrō) — to drag, to pull, to trail

Root συρ- to drag, to pull, to trail

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4951-01`	ἔσυρον	esuron	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they dragged	they were dragging	they dragged	2
`G4951-03`	σύρων	suron	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	dragging	dragging along	dragging along	1
`G4951-02`	σύρει	surei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	swept	he drags	he drags	1
`G4951-04`	σύροντες	surontes	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	dragging	those dragging	dragging	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4951-04`	John 21:8	σύροντες	surontes	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL`	dragging	those dragging	dragging
`G4951-03`	Acts 8:3	σύρων	suron	`V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG`	dragging	dragging along	dragging along
`G4951-01`	Acts 14:19	ἔσυρον	esuron	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they dragged	they were dragging	they dragged
`G4951-01`	Acts 17:6	ἔσυρον	esuron	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	they dragged	they were dragging	they dragged
`G4951-02`	Revelation 12:4	σύρει	surei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	swept	he drags	he drags

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