αἰχμαλωσία

captivity

Definition

αἰχμαλωσία refers to the state or condition of being taken captive, particularly as prisoners of war. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes a 'captive multitude' or the collective body of captives, emphasizing the group's subjugation and loss of freedom. In Ephesians 4:8, the word is used metaphorically, quoting Psalm 68:18, to describe Christ leading a 'host of captives'—likely referring to believers freed from the power of sin and death. In Revelation 13:10, it appears in a literal warning about the consequences of violence: 'If anyone is to be taken captive, into captivity he goes,' highlighting a principle of divine justice.

Biblical Usage

This noun is used only twice in the New Testament, in distinct contexts. In Ephesians 4:8, it is part of a Christological quotation, used figuratively for the redeemed. In Revelation 13:10, it is used literally in a prophetic warning about captivity as a consequence. Both instances are in epistolary or prophetic literature, not narrative.

Etymology

Derived from αἰχμάλωτος (aichmalōtos, G164), meaning 'captive' or 'prisoner of war,' which itself comes from αἰχμή (aichmē, 'spear') and ἁλωτός (halōtos, 'taken,' from ἁλίσκομαι, 'to be captured'). Thus, the word originally and concretely meant 'captivity taken by the spear,' emphasizing violent seizure in war.

Semantic Range

Theologically, this word is significant in Ephesians 4:8, where Christ's ascension is depicted as a triumphant procession leading captives. This reverses the expected image: Christ, the conqueror, leads not enemies but redeemed believers from captivity to sin and death into freedom. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the completeness of Christ's victory and the transfer from one dominion to another.

In the Greco-Roman world, captivity (αἰχμαλωσία) was a common and feared outcome of military defeat. Captives were often enslaved, killed, or paraded in triumphal processions. This cultural reality gives weight to the metaphorical use in Ephesians—Christ's triumph is likened to a Roman general's victory parade, but with a redemptive purpose for the captives.

αἰχμάλωτος (aichmalōtos, G164) — a captive person, the individual prisoner. δεσμός (desmos, G1199) — a bond or chain, focusing on the means of restraint rather than the state of captivity.

Word Details

Scripture References