### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4813 (συλάω, *syláō*) carries the primary meaning of "to strip," "to despoil," or "to rob." Its etymological root suggests an action of divesting someone of their possessions, often by force or illicit means. The base definition links it to a derivative of a word meaning "to strip," and it is compared to αἱρέομαι (to take, choose, capture) and σκῦλον (spoil, plunder). Thus, *syláō* denotes the act of taking something away from another, particularly valuable resources or sustenance, implying a deprivation or dispossession. While it can imply violent seizure, its usage often focuses on the outcome: the act of despoiling or robbing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4813 (συλάω, *syláō*) appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 11:8. In this specific passage, the Apostle Paul states: "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service." [[2 Corinthians 11:8]]
This statement is highly rhetorical and ironic. Paul is not literally admitting to criminal robbery. Rather, he is employing hyperbole to emphasize his commitment to the Corinthian church and his refusal to be a financial burden to them. He had a consistent policy of supporting himself through manual labor or receiving support from other, often less prosperous, churches (such as those in Macedonia, as mentioned in [[2 Corinthians 11:9]]) so that he could preach the gospel freely in Corinth without being accused of mercenary motives. The "robbing" of other churches is a vivid, almost shocking, way for Paul to highlight the extent of his self-sacrifice and his desire to remove any potential obstacle to the Corinthians' reception of the gospel. He "despoiled" other communities of their resources (their "wages") not for personal gain, but for the spiritual benefit and service of the Corinthians. This paradoxical usage underscores Paul's apostolic integrity and his single-minded devotion to the ministry entrusted to him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms share conceptual ground with G4813 (συλάω, *syláō*), though each carries distinct nuances:
* ἁρπάζω `{{G726}}`: To snatch away, seize by force, plunder. This word often emphasizes the sudden, violent act of seizure.
* ληστεύω `{{G3027}}`: To rob, plunder, specifically as a brigand or highwayman. It implies a more criminal or lawless act of robbery.
* κλέπτω `{{G2813}}`: To steal, to take secretly and without right. This emphasizes stealth and illegality.
* ἀποστερέω `{{G650}}`: To defraud, to deprive someone of what is due to them, to withhold. This term focuses on the act of withholding or unjustly taking away.
* σκῦλον (from which σκυλεύω is derived): Spoil, plunder, booty. This noun refers to the things taken during despoiling.
While σύλαω implies the act of stripping or despoiling, its unique usage in 2 Corinthians 11:8 distinguishes it from a typical act of robbery for selfish gain. Unlike ἁρπάζω or ληστεύω, which often describe violent or criminal acts, Paul's use of σύλαω is a rhetorical flourish to describe a transfer of resources for an honorable, selfless purpose.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G4813 (συλάω, *syláō*) in the New Testament, within the context of Paul's defense of his apostleship in 2 Corinthians, carries profound theological significance. It illuminates several key aspects of Paul's ministry and Christian ethics:
1. **Apostolic Humility and Self-Sacrifice:** Paul's willingness to "rob" other churches highlights his profound humility and sacrificial commitment to the gospel. He prioritized the unhindered proclamation of the message over his own comfort or financial stability. This act, though rhetorically framed as "robbing," was in fact an act of deep love and service, embodying the principle that ministers should not be a burden to those they serve [[1 Thessalonians 2:9]].
2. **Integrity of Gospel Proclamation:** Paul's strenuous efforts to avoid being financially dependent on the Corinthians stemmed from a desire to remove any suspicion that he was preaching for monetary gain. His "robbing" of other churches underscored his commitment to the purity and integrity of the gospel message, ensuring it was freely given and freely received.
3. **Ministerial Support and Stewardship:** While Paul's statement is unique, it touches upon the broader theological discussion of ministerial support. While apostles have a right to receive support [[1 Corinthians 9:1-14]], Paul often waived this right for strategic reasons. His "robbing" of other churches demonstrates a strategic and sacrificial approach to stewardship of resources, ensuring the gospel's advance.
4. **Paradoxical Nature of Christian Service:** The use of such a strong, negative word ("robbed") to describe a positive, self-sacrificial action reveals the paradoxical nature of Christian service. What might appear as a deprivation or burden to one (the churches providing support) was transformed into a means of grace and blessing for another (the Corinthians receiving the gospel without charge).
### Summary
The Greek word G4813 (συλάω, *syláō*), meaning "to strip," "to despoil," or "to rob," appears only once in the New Testament, in [[2 Corinthians 11:8]]. There, the Apostle Paul uses it in a powerful, ironic, and hyperbolic manner, stating he "robbed other churches" to serve the Corinthians. This unique usage is not an admission of actual crime but a vivid rhetorical device to underscore his profound self-sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the gospel. Paul's willingness to accept financial support from other communities, thereby "despoiling" them, was strategically undertaken to ensure his ministry in Corinth was unburdened and above reproach, demonstrating his apostolic humility and the integrity of his gospel proclamation. Thus, σύλαω in this context serves as a striking testament to Paul's sacrificial love and his strategic approach to advancing the Kingdom of God.
TRV