αἰχμαλωτεύω (aichmalōteuō)
aichmalōteuō
to take captive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aichmalōteuō means to take someone prisoner or lead them into captivity. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 4:8, where Paul quotes Psalm 68:18. In this context, it describes Christ’s victory, portraying him as one who has subdued his enemies and led them in a triumphal procession.
Its root relates to the spear or lance (aichmē), suggesting capture by force of arms. The sources note that the Septuagint often uses this word for the Hebrew term shābah, which refers to the taking of captives during war. Paul repurposes this military imagery to describe a spiritual conquest, where Christ’s ascension signifies his authority over all opposing powers.
Translators typically render it "led captive" or "took prisoners." This choice preserves the original sense of decisive victory and subjugation. The word emphasizes not just defeat, but the active removal of enemies from their position of power into Christ’s control.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aichmalōteuō paints a vivid picture of decisive victory. In the ancient world, it described a general leading defeated enemies in a triumphal parade. Paul uses this strong military imagery in Ephesians to describe Jesus’ ascension. It shows that Christ has fully subdued all opposing powers, not just defeating them but taking complete control.
This truth brings deep comfort. You do not face life’s battles alone against forces that seem unbeatable. The same Lord who conquered spiritual darkness is the one who leads gifts to His people. His victory is secure, and His authority is absolute over every challenge you encounter.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- He led captive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ᾐχμαλώτευσεν1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 4:8
Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to people.”
Paul applies this military term to Christ’s ascension, showing that Jesus actively leads spiritual powers into submission rather than merely observing their defeat.