συλλαμβάνω

syllambánō /sool-lam-ban'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom σύν and λαμβάνω
Meaningto clasp, i.e. seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
KJV usagecatch, conceive, help, take.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word syllambánō, represented by G4815, carries a dual meaning of to clasp or seize, and to conceive. It appears 17 times across 16 unique verses, making its usage specific and significant. The word's definition encompasses actions of arrest and capture, the literal and figurative act of conception, and by implication, the act of providing aid.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G4815 is prominently used in two distinct contexts. Firstly, it is central to the nativity narratives, describing the conception of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Elisabeth is said to conceive (Luke 1:24, Luke 1:36), and the angel tells Mary, "behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb" Luke 1:31. Secondly, it is used to denote seizure or arrest. The gospels record the moment the authorities took Jesus to lead him to the high priest's house (Luke 22:54, John 18:12), and Paul describes being caught by the Jews in the temple Acts 26:21. The word is also used for providing help, as when the disciples beckoned their partners to help them with a great catch of fish Luke 5:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Greek words help clarify the scope of G4815:

  • G5088 tíktō (to produce... literally or figuratively): This word is the natural outcome of conception. In Luke 1:31, Mary is told she will conceive G4815 and then bring forth G5088 a son. Figuratively, James 1:15 states that when lust has conceived G4815, it bringeth forth G5088 sin.
  • G1210 déō (to bind): This action often follows an arrest. In John 18:12, the band of soldiers took G4815 Jesus and immediately bound G1210 him, showing the progression from seizure to restraint.
  • G4904 synergós (a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor): This term connects to the "helping" aspect of G4815. Paul intreats his yokefellow G4805 to help G4815 the women who were his fellowlabourers G4904 in the gospel Philippians 4:3.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4815 is significant, highlighting key moments in redemptive history and spiritual principles.

  • The Incarnation: The word is foundational to the physical manifestation of Christ on earth. Its use to describe Mary's miraculous conception Luke 1:31 and the conception of her cousin Elisabeth Luke 1:36 underscores God's direct intervention in bringing forth His Son and forerunner.
  • The Arrest of Christ: The same word used for the beginning of Jesus's life is also used for the beginning of His Passion. His being taken G4815 by his accusers signifies the voluntary surrender that leads to the crucifixion Luke 22:54. This action fulfilled the scripture G1124 spoken of by the Holy Ghost G4151 concerning Judas, the guide G3595 to those who took G4815 Jesus Acts 1:16.
  • The Birth of Sin: James uses the word figuratively to provide a powerful theological illustration. He explains that lust G1939 hath conceived G4815, which in turn gives birth to sin and ultimately death James 1:15. This frames sin not as a random act, but as a process that begins with a conceived desire.

Summary

In summary, G4815 is a potent word that conveys concepts of both creation and capture. It is used to describe the miraculous start of Jesus's earthly life and the hostile act that initiated his journey to the cross. Through its literal and figurative applications, syllambánō captures profound theological realities, from the divine act of incarnation to the internal mechanism of sin.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 16 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 3×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Dative Plural Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Infinitive 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Perfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Passive Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Future Middle Deponent Indicative 2nd Singular 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 16 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Luke (7 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
7
Luke
1
John
4
Acts
1
Philippians
1
James

Verse Explorer

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