αἰχμάλωτος

a captive, prisoner

Definition

The word αἰχμάλωτος specifically refers to a person taken captive in war, a prisoner of war. It denotes not just any detainee, but one seized by force, often in a military context, and held under the control of a conqueror. In the New Testament, its sole use is in Luke 4:18, where Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1, proclaiming good news to the 'captives'—a metaphorical application of the term to those in spiritual bondage.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 4:18. Here, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth, declaring His mission includes proclaiming 'release to the captives.' The usage is directly quoting the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) and applies the literal concept of a war captive to a spiritual metaphor for those held captive by sin and oppression.

Etymology

Derived from αἰχμή (aichmē), meaning 'spear' or 'point of a spear,' and ἁλωτός (halōtos), a verbal adjective from ἁλίσκομαι (haliskomai), meaning 'to be captured' or 'taken.' Thus, αἰχμάλωτος literally means 'one taken by the spear,' vividly picturing a prisoner seized in battle.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects Jesus' messianic mission directly to Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 61:1). Understanding it as 'prisoner of war' enriches the metaphor: humanity is depicted as captured by sin and Satan, and Christ's gospel is the proclamation of liberation and a spiritual jubilee. It underscores the theme of redemption from bondage.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, captives taken in war were a common reality, often enslaved or held for ransom. This cultural understanding of complete subjugation and loss of freedom powerfully informs the metaphorical use in Luke, conveying the utter helplessness of those needing spiritual deliverance.

δέσμιος (desmios, G1198) — a general term for a prisoner or one in bonds, often used for those in jail. δούλος (doulos, G1401) — a slave or bondservant, indicating permanent servitude rather than just capture.

Word Details

Scripture References