κολλάω

I glue, cleave, keep company with

Definition

κολλάω (kollaō) literally means 'to glue' or 'to join together,' but in the New Testament, it is used almost exclusively in a figurative sense to describe a close, committed attachment. This can refer to a person physically sticking to another (Acts 8:29), forming a close social or professional bond (Luke 15:15), or, most significantly, describing the profound spiritual union between a believer and the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17). In Romans 12:9, it takes on a moral sense, instructing believers to 'cling' to what is good. The word thus spans physical proximity, relational partnership, and spiritual devotion.

Biblical Usage

κολλάω appears 10 times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke-Acts and Paul's letters. In Luke's writings, it describes practical associations, like the prodigal son joining himself to a citizen (Luke 15:15) or dust clinging to feet (Luke 10:11). In Acts, it depicts guided relational bonds, such as Philip joining the Ethiopian's chariot (Acts 8:29) or disciples being wary of joining Paul (Acts 9:26). Paul uses it for the highest form of spiritual union (1 Corinthians 6:17) and ethical adherence (Romans 12:9), showing a development from physical to profoundly spiritual application.

Etymology

Derived from the noun κόλλα (kolla), meaning 'glue.' It is a common Greek verb with a straightforward literal meaning of joining materials together. This concrete sense naturally extended to metaphorical uses for personal attachment and loyalty, a usage also found in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 2:24).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it defines the nature of the believer's relationship with God. It moves beyond mere belief to describe an intimate, permanent attachment. In 1 Corinthians 6:17, 'he who is joined (κολλάω) to the Lord becomes one spirit with him' underscores the mystical union at the heart of Christian salvation. Similarly, Romans 12:9 uses it to command unwavering ethical commitment. Understanding κολλάω enriches reading by highlighting that biblical faith is an active, cleaving devotion, not a passive association.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, 'glue' was made from organic materials like animal collagen, creating a strong but not always permanent bond. The metaphor of 'gluing' oneself to a patron, teacher, or friend was a recognizable concept denoting loyalty, dependency, and chosen alliance. This cultural understanding of deliberate, binding attachment informs its biblical use, especially in contexts of discipleship and community.

προσμένω (prosmenō, G4357) — to remain with or continue in, emphasizing perseverance. ἑνόω (henoō, G1774) — to unite into one, focusing on the state of oneness rather than the act of joining. μείγνυμι (meignymi, G3396) — to mix or mingle, often for physical blending.

Word Details

Scripture References