συλλαμβάνω (sullambanō)
sullambanō
to seize/conceive/help
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sullambanō carries a sense of taking hold, whether physically seizing someone or metaphorically grasping an idea. In the Gospels, it frequently describes authorities arresting Jesus and his followers, as when soldiers take him into custody in Luke 22:54. This usage highlights the physical act of apprehension, turning a person from free movement into a prisoner under control.
Yet the word also shifts to a supportive role. When used with the dative case, it means to assist or help someone. Paul uses this sense in Philippians 4:3, asking companions to help women who have struggled alongside him in the gospel. Here, the image is not of capturing an enemy, but of joining forces to aid a fellow worker.
A third distinct meaning appears in Luke’s infancy narrative. The word describes conception, as when Mary is told she will conceive a son (Luke 1:31). This usage connects the physical act of taking hold with the beginning of new life. It shows how the same root can describe both the forceful capture of a person and the gentle, creative process of bringing something new into the world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sullambanō captures two very different ways we interact with the world around us. In many Gospel accounts, it describes soldiers seizing Jesus or arresting his followers. This usage reminds us that following Christ can involve real risk and opposition. Yet the same word also appears in Paul’s letters to describe helping a fellow worker. Here, it shifts from force to support, inviting us to join hands with others in the work of the gospel.
There is also a gentle side to this term found in Luke’s infancy narrative. It describes Mary conceiving Jesus, linking the idea of taking hold with the beginning of new life. This variety shows that God uses many forms of engagement. Sometimes we face resistance; other times we are called to support others or welcome new beginnings. Recognizing these different meanings helps us see how our own actions fit into God’s larger story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to capture2×
- you will conceive1×
- took hold of1×
- to take1×
- to help1×
- they had taken,1×
- having seized1×
- having conceived1×
- having been seized1×
- having arrested1×
- has conceived1×
- do yourself help1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συλλαβεῖν3×
- συνέλαβον,1×
- συνέλαβον1×
- συνέλαβεν1×
- συνείληφεν1×
- συλλήμψῃ1×
- συλλημφθῆναι1×
- συλλημφθέντα1×
- συλλαμβάνου1×
- συλλαβόμενοι1×
- συλλαβέσθαι1×
- συλλαβοῦσιν1×
Key Verses
-
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 verse shows the word used for the physical arrest of Jesus, highlighting the sudden shift from his public ministry to imprisonment.
-
Philippians 4:3
Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Here Paul uses the word to ask for practical assistance, shifting the meaning from capture to collaborative support in ministry.
-
Luke 1:31
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’
The angel uses this term to describe Mary’s conception, connecting the idea of taking hold with the miraculous start of new life.