πιάζω (piazō)
piazō
to arrest/catch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb piazō means to seize or capture something with force. In the New Testament, it describes taking hold of a physical object or person, often with an intent to restrain. You can see this action when Peter catches a fish in John 21:7, or when religious leaders try to arrest Jesus in John 7:30 and 8:20.
It is a strong word for taking hold, used twelve times across the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. Unlike softer terms for touching, piazō implies a firm grip that leads to control or imprisonment. This is clear in Acts 12:4, where Herod’s guards seize Peter, and in Revelation 19:20, where the beast is captured.
The word likely comes from a root meaning to grasp or hold fast. Its usage shows that physical capture often accompanies spiritual conflict in Scripture. Translators typically render it as "catch," "seize," or "arrest," depending on whether the object is an animal or a person.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about being seized or arrested, it can feel like a moment of loss or fear. Yet this word appears in stories where God’s power is clearly at work. In John 21, the disciples catch fish after following Jesus’ direction, showing that obedience leads to provision even when our own efforts fail.
Similarly, the arrest of Jesus and Peter reminds us that no human plan can stop God’s timing. Even when enemies try to take hold, God protects His purposes until the right moment. This word teaches us that true security comes not from avoiding trouble, but from trusting the One who holds all things together.
We can find comfort in knowing that God’s plans are never thwarted by human opposition. Whether we face sudden challenges or long waits, His sovereignty remains steady. We rest in the hope that He guides every step, turning even difficult moments into opportunities for His glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to seize2×
- they may seize2×
- you have caught1×
- was captured1×
- to take,1×
- to seize;1×
- they caught1×
- seized1×
- having taken1×
- having seized1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πιάσωσιν2×
- πιάσας2×
- πιάσαι2×
- ἐπίασεν1×
- ἐπίασαν1×
- ἐπιάσθη1×
- ἐπιάσατε1×
- πιάσαι·1×
- πιάσαι,1×
Key Verses
-
John 21:10
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
This verse shows Jesus using a miraculous catch to provide for His disciples, demonstrating that obedience to His word leads to blessing.
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Acts 12:4
When he had arrested him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.
Here the word describes the harsh reality of imprisonment, highlighting the danger Peter faced before God’s intervention.
-
John 7:30
They sought therefore to take him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
This occurrence emphasizes that human attempts to seize Jesus were powerless because His divine hour had not yet arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does piazō mean in the New Testament?
How is piazō different from other words for taking?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 4 books)
John 8 verses
They sought therefore to take him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
John 7:32The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent…
John 7:44Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him.
John 8:20Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he taught in the temple. Yet no one arrested him, because his hour had not…
John 10:39They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand.
John 11:57Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they…
John 21:3Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out…
John 21:10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”