χειραγωγός (cheiragōgos)
cheiragōgos
guide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun cheiragōgos refers to a guide who leads someone by the hand. Its meaning comes from two simple parts: cheir, meaning "hand," and agō, meaning "to lead." This word paints a clear picture of physical assistance, where one person supports another who cannot see or navigate alone.
Scripture uses this term only once, in Acts 13:11. Here, it describes the blind magician Elymas being led around by the hand after Paul strikes him with temporary blindness. The image is vivid and specific, showing total dependence on another for movement. This single usage highlights a guide who provides necessary support to someone in a helpless state.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word cheiragōgos paints a very specific picture: someone leading another person by the hand. It comes from words meaning "hand" and "to lead." In Scripture, this image appears in Acts 13:11, where a blind man is forced to feel his way around because he can no longer see. This shows total dependence on another for basic movement.
For your faith life, this reminds us that we are not always meant to navigate alone. There are seasons when our spiritual sight dims or the path ahead seems dark. In those times, it is okay to lean on others—the church, mentors, or friends—who can help guide you. God often uses the hands of other believers to steady us when we cannot see the way forward.
This word invites humility. It acknowledges that needing help is not a failure but a part of being human. When you feel lost, look for those who can walk beside you. Their support is a gift from God, designed to keep you safe until your vision clears again.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- one to lead by hand.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χειραγωγούς.1×
Key Verses
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Acts 13:11
Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
This verse uses the term to describe Elymas's total physical dependence on another person after being struck blind, illustrating the word's meaning of leading by the hand.