κολλάω (kollaō)
kollaō
to join
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kollao means to join or fasten together with great firmness, much like using glue to bond two surfaces. Its root is kolla, the word for "glue," which gives the term a tangible sense of sticky, inseparable attachment. In Scripture, it describes a union that is not loose or temporary but deeply integrated and enduring.
This word appears in significant contexts where close association is key. Paul uses it to describe the intimate bond between a believer and the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17), contrasting it with the physical joining of a man and his wife (1 Corinthians 6:16). It also appears in Acts to describe people sticking closely to one another or to specific groups, highlighting a loyalty that binds communities together.
Translators often render kollao as "cleave" or "join," capturing the idea of an unbreakable link. The emphasis is on the strength of the connection rather than just proximity. Whether referring to spiritual unity with Christ or social bonds within the early church, the word conveys a commitment that resists separation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that a man is joined to his wife, or that a believer is joined to the Lord, we are looking at a bond that goes far deeper than casual friendship. The Greek word used here carries the sense of being glued together. It suggests an attachment so firm that pulling apart would cause damage rather than simple separation. This imagery reminds us that our connections—whether in marriage or in our daily walk with Jesus—are meant to be enduring and resilient.
In 1 Corinthians 6:17, Paul highlights a profound truth: the one who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. This is not just a metaphor for proximity, but for a deep, sticky unity that shapes who we are. It invites us to consider how closely we cling to Christ in our everyday choices. When life feels fragmented or lonely, this promise offers a stable anchor. We are invited into a relationship where we are held fast, not by our own strength, but by the faithful love of God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to join2×
- will be joined with1×
- to unite himself1×
- they were heaped1×
- is being joined1×
- he joined himself1×
- having joined themselves1×
- having clung1×
- do be joined1×
- cleaving to1×
- being joined1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κολλᾶσθαι3×
- κολλώμενος2×
- ἐκολλήθησαν1×
- ἐκολλήθη1×
- κολλώμενοι1×
- κολλήθητι1×
- κολληθήσεται1×
- κολληθέντες1×
- κολληθέντα1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 6:17
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.
This verse uses the word to define the spiritual union between a believer and Christ, contrasting it with physical unions to show its unique nature.
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Matthew 19:5
and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh’?
Here the term describes the foundational bond of marriage, establishing it as a permanent joining that creates a new unity.
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Acts 9:26
When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
The word illustrates Saul's desperate attempt to become part of the Christian community, showing how it can describe social integration.
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Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
It is used metaphorically to urge believers to cling tightly to what is good, emphasizing loyalty and steadfastness in virtue.