χειραγωγός
cheiragōgós
G5497 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A person who leads another by the hand, most commonly a guide or helper, especially one conducting or assisting a blind person by taking their hand. The term primarily focuses on the act of physical guidance using the hand but can extend to a personal escort or attendant in contexts where guided movement is required.
Semantic Range
one who leads by the hand, personal conductor, guide (specifically for the blind or infirm), attendant who assists another physically
Root / Etymology
From χείρ ('hand') and a compound or extended form of ἄγω ('to lead'); literally 'one who leads by the hand'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, chiefly in contexts involving assistance to the blind or infirm, and generally not found in Classical sources. In the New Testament (Acts 13:11), χειραγωγός refers specifically to persons leading a temporarily blinded individual, emphasizing literal, physical assistance. The term is rare and highly specific, distinct from more general words for 'guide' (such as ὁδηγός or ἡγεμών). English translations often render the word as 'someone to lead by the hand', 'guide', or 'attendant', but such renderings can obscure its particularity: it does not mean 'teacher' or 'spiritual guide', but a literal helper leading another physically by the hand. The word does not appear to have developed metaphorical meanings in contemporary literature of the period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from χείρ and a reduplicated form of ἄγω; a hand-leader, i.e. personal conductor (of a blind person):--some to lead by the hand.
Root Family
χειραγωγός (cheiragōgos) — hand-leader, one who guides physically, personal conductor
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5497-01 |
χειραγωγούς | cheiragogous | N ACC M PL |
some to lead him by the hand | hand-guides | hand-guides | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5497-01 |
Acts 13:11 | χειραγωγούς | cheiragogous | N ACC M PL |
some to lead him by the hand | hand-guides | hand-guides |