χειραγωγέω (cheiragōgeō)
cheiragōgeō
to guide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb cheiragōgeō means to lead someone by the hand, describing a physical act of guidance where one person takes another’s hand to direct their steps. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within Acts, highlighting its specific use for literal, tactile assistance rather than metaphorical instruction.
In Acts 9:8 and 22:11, this word describes how Saul of Tarsus, blinded by the encounter with Christ, was led into Damascus. The sources note that the term emphasizes the helplessness of the guided party and the active support of the guide. This concrete imagery underscores the reality of spiritual blindness requiring physical aid to navigate a new path.
Etymologically, the word combines cheir (hand) and agō (to lead), forming a clear picture of hand-in-hand guidance. Translators consistently render it as "led by the hand," preserving the simple, physical nature of the action without adding abstract theological layers. The rarity of the term in Scripture makes its usage here particularly vivid, marking a moment of total dependence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Saul fell on the road to Damascus, he was left in total darkness. The verb used here describes someone literally being led by the hand. It is a simple image of physical dependence, where one person cannot find their way without another’s steady grip. This moment marks the end of Saul’s self-reliance and the beginning of his journey as a follower of Christ.
We often think of faith as an intellectual leap or a private spiritual experience. Yet this word reminds us that guidance can be tangible and communal. Sometimes we are spiritually blind, unable to see the path ahead. In those seasons, God provides people who hold our hand, helping us take the next step when we cannot go alone.
This physical act of leading points to a deeper truth: we do not walk in faith by our own strength. We rely on the support of others and the grace of God. It is a humble way to begin a new life, acknowledging that we need help to find our way home.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being led by the hand1×
- Leading by the hand1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χειραγωγοῦντες1×
- χειραγωγούμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:8
Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
This verse marks the immediate aftermath of Saul’s conversion, showing his complete physical vulnerability and dependence on others after being blinded by divine light.
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Acts 22:11
When I couldn’t see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
Saul recounts this event later in his defense, emphasizing that even a man of such high status had to be physically guided into the city when he could not see for himself.