ἁρπαγμός (G725) — Greek Lexicon

ἁρπαγμός

harpagmós

G725 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Seizure, the act of taking something or holding onto it forcefully, especially as a result of grasping or snatching. The word can refer both to the act or result of taking by force, and, in literary or metaphorical context, to something regarded as a prize taken by force. In context, ἁρπαγμός is used regarding an object or status obtained not legitimately but by seizing, holding, or exploiting.

Semantic Range

act of grasping or seizing, exploitative acquisition or advantage, act of robbery, thing seized as plunder, status treated as a prize or advantage

Root / Etymology

From the verb ἁρπάζω ('to seize, snatch, carry off by force'), with the nominal suffix -μός, forming an abstract noun. Cognate with ἅρπαγμα ('plunder, what is seized'), but with more focus on the action or condition of seizing itself.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The noun ἁρπαγμός is rare in Greek literature, attested primarily in Hellenistic and later sources, with its most notable usage in the New Testament (Philippians 2:6), where it describes something regarded as a prize, advantage, or possession to be seized or held onto. Classical Greek prefers related terms, such as ἅρπαγμα or ἁρπαγή, for the idea of 'something seized' or 'plunder.' In the NT, ἁρπαγμός often appears in the sense of 'exploitable advantage' or 'something to be selfishly retained,' rather than concrete robbery or theft, which are better denoted by other words. English translations ('robbery,' 'prize to be seized,' etc.) may not capture this nuance, leading to varied interpretations in different contexts. The core idea is not primarily the concrete act of plundering, but the abstract notion of grasping onto or seizing something as a possession or advantage. The word is absent from LXX and is almost unattested in secular Koine literature, increasing the importance of contextual and comparative analysis in interpretation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἁρπάζω; plunder (properly concrete):--robbery.

Root Family

ἁρπαγμός (harpagmos) — seizure, snatching, plunder, taking by force

Root ἁρπαγ- to seize, to snatch, to plunder, to take by force

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G725-01`	ἁρπαγμὸν	arpagmon	`N ACC M SG`	robbery	a forceful seizure	a forceful seizure	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G725-01`	Philippians 2:6	ἁρπαγμὸν	arpagmon	`N ACC M SG`	robbery	a forceful seizure	a forceful seizure

← G724 Greek Lexicon G726 →