### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kolláō**, represented by `{{G2853}}`, is derived from the word for "glue." It means to glue, stick, cleave, join oneself, or keep company. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses**, highlighting a range of applications from physical attachment to profound spiritual and relational union.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2853}}` is used to illustrate different kinds of bonds. It can describe a desperate, worldly attachment, as when the prodigal son "joined himself" to a citizen of a far country [[Luke 15:15]]. In the book of Acts, it often refers to physical association, such as the Spirit commanding Philip to "join thyself to" a chariot [[Acts 8:29]] or the disciples in Jerusalem being afraid to let Saul "join himself" to them [[Acts 9:26]]. The word also carries a significant spiritual weight, defining the union between a believer and God: "he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" [[1 Corinthians 6:17]]. Conversely, it warns against unholy bonds, noting that one who is "joined to an harlot is one body" [[1 Corinthians 6:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of joining or cleaving:
* `{{G655}}` **apostygéō** (to detest utterly): This word is used in direct contrast to `{{G2853}}` in the command to "Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good" [[Romans 12:9]].
* `{{G18}}` **agathós** (good): This is the object to which believers are commanded to **cleave**, representing the moral and spiritual standard they should adhere to [[Romans 12:9]].
* `{{G4334}}` **prosérchomai** (to approach, come near): This word is used alongside `{{G2853}}` to describe the previous prohibition against a Jew to **keep company** with or **come unto** a Gentile, showing a parallel between association and approach [[Acts 10:28]].
* `{{G3987}}` **peiráō** (to test, attempt): This word describes Saul's effort when he "assayed to **join himself**" to the disciples, indicating that the act of joining can be an intentional effort or attempt [[Acts 9:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2853}}` is significant, particularly in how it defines relationships and spiritual identity.
* **Spiritual Union:** The most profound application is the believer's union with Christ. Being "joined unto the Lord" is not merely an association but results in becoming "one spirit" with Him, a foundational concept of Christian identity [[1 Corinthians 6:17]].
* **Moral Adherence:** The command to "**cleave** to that which is good" [[Romans 12:9]] frames morality as an active, deliberate attachment. It is a conscious decision to "glue" oneself to goodness `{{G18}}`, as opposed to evil.
* **Consequences of Association:** The word warns of the spiritual consequences of physical and relational bonds. Just as joining with the Lord creates spiritual unity, being "**joined** to an harlot" creates a union in the flesh, demonstrating that our connections have defining power [[1 Corinthians 6:16]].
* **Belief and Fellowship:** The connection between belief `{{G4100}}` and joining is shown in Acts. The disciples' initial lack of belief prevented Saul from joining them [[Acts 9:26]], while in Athens, those who believed were the ones who "**clave** unto him" [[Acts 17:34]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2853}}` is more than just a word for physical sticking. It represents a powerful, defining bond. It is used to describe everything from the dust that "**cleaveth**" to a person's feet [[Luke 10:11]] to the sins of Babylon that have "reached unto heaven" [[Revelation 18:5]]. Theologically, it forces a choice: to what or to whom will one be joined? It illustrates that our allegiances—whether to the world, to sin, or to the Lord—fundamentally shape our identity and destiny.
TRV