### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατασύρω (katasýrō), Strong's `{{G2694}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "against," and the verb σύρω (sýrō), Strong's `{{G4951}}`, meaning "to drag" or "to draw." The prefix κατά intensifies the action of dragging, often implying a downward motion, a forceful pulling, or a dragging *away* from a place or state. Thus, the core meaning of κατασύρω is "to drag down" or "to drag away with force." In its specific biblical usage, it acquires a forensic or judicial nuance, signifying "to hale" or "to drag before authorities" for legal proceedings, often implying an involuntary and perhaps ignominious seizure. This distinguishes it from a simple "dragging," emphasizing the forceful and public nature of an arrest or apprehension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κατασύρω appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 17:6]]: "And when they found them not, they κατασύρω Jason and certain brethren before the city authorities, crying, 'These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also...'" (KJV translates κατασύρω as "hale").
In this pivotal passage, the Jewish opposition in Thessalonica, enraged by the preaching of Paul and Silas, stirred up a mob. Unable to locate Paul and Silas, they violently seized Jason, who had hosted the apostles, and some other believers. The use of κατασύρω here powerfully conveys the aggressive and forceful nature of this action. It was not a formal, orderly summons, but a public, undignified dragging of innocent individuals before the politarchs (city authorities). This act underscores the desperation and lawlessness of the mob, who resorted to physical coercion and false accusation. The context vividly portrays the immediate and often violent resistance faced by the early Christian missionaries as their message challenged established religious and social norms. The "dragging" of Jason and the brethren was an act of public humiliation and an attempt to intimidate the nascent Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κατασύρω is enhanced by examining related Greek terms:
* σύρω (`{{G4951}}`): The base verb, meaning "to drag" or "to draw." It is used more broadly, such as dragging a fishing net ([[John 21:8]]) or a dragon dragging stars ([[Revelation 12:4]]). The addition of κατά in κατασύρω specifies the direction (down/away) and often intensifies the force or purpose (judicial apprehension).
* ἕλκω (`{{G1670}}`): Also meaning "to drag" or "to draw," but often with an emphasis on drawing by an inner power, attraction, or compulsion. It can be used in a judicial context, as in rich men "dragging" the poor to court ([[James 2:6]]), or metaphorically of God "drawing" people to Himself ([[John 6:44]]). While ἕλκω can imply force, κατασύρω in [[Acts 17:6]] specifically highlights the physical, demeaning act of being pulled before authorities.
* προσάγω (`{{G4315}}`): To "bring to" or "lead to," often in a more formal or orderly manner, such as bringing someone before a council. κατασύρω contrasts sharply with this, emphasizing the violent and disorderly nature of the apprehension.
* Concepts: The single usage of κατασύρω in [[Acts 17:6]] is deeply connected to themes of persecution, mob violence, unjust accusation, and the suffering endured by early believers for the sake of the Gospel. It illustrates the immediate and often brutal consequences of proclaiming a message that challenged the status quo.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of κατασύρω in [[Acts 17:6]] carries profound theological weight, encapsulating several crucial aspects of early Christian experience:
1. **The Reality of Persecution:** The word vividly portrays the violent opposition faced by those who spread the Gospel. It underscores that the proclamation of Christ was not a peaceful, universally accepted endeavor, but one that often provoked fierce, even physical, resistance from those whose interests or beliefs were threatened.
2. **Suffering for Christ:** Being "dragged" before authorities was a public humiliation and a dangerous situation. It illustrates the cost of discipleship and the willingness of believers like Jason and his companions to endure hardship and indignity for their faith. This aligns with Jesus' warnings that His followers would be persecuted and brought before rulers ([[Matthew 10:18]], [[Luke 21:12]]).
3. **The Nature of Unjust Accusation:** The mob's action was based on false accusations ("These men who have turned the world upside down"). The forceful κατασύρω highlights the lawless and baseless nature of the charges, demonstrating how truth was perverted and justice subverted by popular fury.
4. **Divine Providence Amidst Chaos:** Even amidst such violent and unjust acts, God's sovereign hand was at work. The very act of being "dragged" before authorities provided an unexpected platform for the Gospel, as the believers were compelled to give an account of their faith, thus fulfilling Christ's prophecy ([[Luke 21:13]]).
5. **The Conflict of Kingdoms:** The word κατασύρω in this context symbolizes the clash between the values of the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. The mob's attempt to suppress the message through force ultimately demonstrates the power of the Gospel to disrupt worldly systems and provoke a response, whether positive or negative.
### Summary
κατασύρω (`{{G2694}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to drag down" or "to hale by force," particularly in a judicial context. Its solitary appearance in [[Acts 17:6]] is highly significant, depicting the violent and undignified apprehension of Jason and other believers by a mob in Thessalonica. This single usage encapsulates the harsh reality of persecution faced by the early church, highlighting the unjust nature of the opposition, the public humiliation endured by believers, and the profound cost of proclaiming the Gospel. The word serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering inherent in Christian witness and the steadfastness of those who were willing to be "dragged" for the sake of Christ's name.
TRV