ζωγρέω (zōgreō)
zōgreō
to capture alive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb zoōgreō means to capture someone or something while they are still alive. It combines roots meaning "life" and "to hunt," creating a specific image of taking a living prisoner rather than killing prey. This distinction sets it apart from general words for seizing or destroying, emphasizing the preservation of life during the act of capture.
In Scripture, this word appears only twice. In Luke 5:10, Jesus uses it metaphorically to describe his disciples' future mission as "fishers of men," suggesting they will draw people into a new way of life rather than condemn them. Later, in 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul describes how God may grant repentance to those held captive by the devil, using this term to illustrate being taken alive from one master to another.
The theological weight lies in its dual usage for both physical rescue and spiritual liberation. By choosing a word that implies keeping the subject alive, the biblical authors highlight redemption as an act of preservation. Translators often render it simply as "capture" or "take captive," which can miss the nuance that the person remains living to experience their new destiny.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word zōgreō carries a specific and hopeful image: to capture alive. It is not about destruction or finality, but about preservation. When Jesus spoke to His disciples in Luke, He used this term to describe their future mission. He was not calling them to destroy lives, but to draw people into a new way of living, rescuing them from spiritual harm and bringing them into the safety of God’s kingdom.
This same word appears later in Paul’s letter to Timothy, describing how believers can be freed from the devil’s snare. Here, it highlights that even those held captive by sin are not beyond reach. God does not destroy the person; He rescues them, keeping them alive to experience repentance and a new purpose. The emphasis is always on life being preserved for a greater destiny.
For you, this word offers comfort. It reminds us that God’s work in our lives is one of rescue, not ruin. Whether we are reaching out to others or seeking freedom ourselves, the goal is always restoration. Life is precious, and God values it enough to pursue it with care and intention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- catching.1×
- captured1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐζωγρημένοι1×
- ζωγρῶν.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 5:10
and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.”
Jesus uses this term to redefine discipleship as a mission of drawing people into life rather than condemning them.
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II Timothy 2:26
and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Paul describes spiritual liberation as being taken alive from Satan’s control to obey God, emphasizing preservation over judgment.