### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aichmalōtízō**, represented by `{{G163}}`, means **to make captive**. Derived from αἰχμάλωτος, its definitions include "lead away captive" and "bring into captivity." It appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses**, illustrating different facets of captivity, from the physical and national to the internal and spiritual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{G163}}` spans both literal and figurative contexts. In a prophetic sense, it describes the physical downfall of a nation, where people "shall be **led away captive** into all nations" following a military defeat [[Luke 21:24]]. Figuratively, it depicts an internal, spiritual struggle, where a law within one's members is "**bringing** me into **captivity** to the law of sin" [[Romans 7:23]]. In contrast, it is also used to describe a deliberate act of spiritual warfare, "**bringing into captivity** every thought to the obedience of Christ" [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which captivity occurs:
* `{{G497}}` **antistrateúomai** (to attack, i.e. (by implication) destroy): This term for "warring against" is used to describe the internal conflict that leads to being taken captive by sin [[Romans 7:23]].
* `{{G2507}}` **kathairéō** (to lower (or with violence) demolish): This word for "**casting down**" precedes the act of taking thoughts captive, highlighting the need to first destroy spiritual strongholds and imaginations [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin): This defines the enslaving power in the internal struggle. Paul describes being brought into captivity to the law of **sin** that resides in his members [[Romans 7:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G163}}` is centered on the theme of power and submission.
* **Prophetic Judgment:** The term is used to describe the literal consequences of judgment on Jerusalem, whose people are physically **led away captive**, and the city itself is "trodden down" [[Luke 21:24]].
* **The Enslavement of Sin:** In Romans, the word powerfully illustrates the human condition under sin's influence. It portrays a conflict where the self is defeated and made a prisoner by an internal law of **sin** [[Romans 7:23]].
* **Spiritual Authority:** In contrast, 2 Corinthians presents the believer as the agent of capture. Through spiritual power, we are called to take thoughts captive, enforcing their submission and **obedience** to Christ [[2 Corinthians 10:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G163}}` moves beyond a simple definition of imprisonment. It illustrates a state of being overcome and controlled, whether by a conquering army, the power of sin, or the disciplined will of a believer. The word captures the tension between being a victim of captivity and an active agent who takes thoughts captive, framing a central conflict in the biblical narrative between sin and righteousness, defeat and spiritual victory.
TRV