ἄγω (agō)
agō
to bring
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 68 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb agō carries the fundamental sense of leading or bringing someone to a destination. In the New Testament, it describes physical movement where one party guides another, such as when Jesus leads people to Himself or when authorities bring individuals before courts. The word implies direction and purpose, marking the transition from a starting point to a specific end goal.
Its usage extends beyond simple travel to include guiding influences on the mind, as seen in Romans 2:4 where God’s kindness is said to lead people to repentance. It also covers the passage of time, appearing in Luke 24:21 when disciples describe spending days together. This range shows how the word connects physical movement with spiritual direction and temporal experience.
Translators often render agō as "lead," "bring," or "go" depending on context. The sources highlight its versatility in describing both human actions and divine guidance. By tracking where it appears in Acts and the Gospels, readers can see how early Christians understood movement as an act of following authority or direction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the Greek word agō, we see a picture of purposeful movement. It is not merely wandering; it is being brought or led to a specific destination. In the Gospels, this verb describes how Jesus guides people—sometimes physically, as when He brings the blind man to the Pharisees for healing, and sometimes spiritually, as when He gathers His other sheep into one flock.
For your daily walk, this word offers a gentle reminder that you are not navigating life alone. Just as the disciples were told to bring the colt to Jesus, or as the Spirit led Him into the wilderness, God often brings us to places where we encounter His presence. Whether you are being brought before difficult circumstances or invited into a moment of rest, there is direction behind the movement.
This leads us to trust that our steps are held by a faithful Shepherd. We do not need to fear the unknown, because the One who guides us has already prepared the way. Let this truth bring you peace as you follow where He leads today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 68 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be brought3×
- let us go3×
- brought3×
- they led2×
- they brought [him]2×
- let us go;2×
- led2×
- he brought [him]2×
- he brought2×
- do come2×
- Let us go2×
- He led2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἤγαγον13×
- ἤγαγεν7×
- ἄγωμεν5×
- ἀχθῆναι3×
- ἠγάγετε2×
- Ἄγουσιν2×
- Ἄγε2×
- ἄγωμεν·2×
- ἀγάγῃ2×
- Ἤγοντο1×
- Ἤγαγεν1×
- ἦγεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 4:1
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness
This verse highlights divine guidance, showing Jesus being led by the Spirit into a place of testing and preparation.
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John 10:16
I have other sheep which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.
Here Jesus uses the word to describe His inclusive mission to gather all believers into one unified flock under His care.
-
Luke 22:54
They seized him and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance.
This occurrence marks a pivotal moment where Jesus is led away by authorities, fulfilling His path toward the cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does agō mean in the New Testament?
How is agō different from other words for going?
Where does this word appear in relation to Jesus?
Every Occurrence (68 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
Matthew 21:2saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with…
Matthew 21:7and brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them; and he sat on them.
Matthew 26:46Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”