συλλαμβάνω

I seize, apprehend, become pregnant

Definition

The verb συλλαμβάνω has two primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it means to seize, apprehend, or arrest someone, often with force, as seen when Jesus is taken into custody (Matthew 26:55, Mark 14:48). Second, it carries the sense of conception or becoming pregnant, used exclusively in Luke's Gospel to describe Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:24, 1:31, 1:36). A third, less common meaning is to assist or help, as when fellow fishermen are called to help with a large catch of fish (Luke 5:7).

Biblical Usage

This word is used 16 times, primarily in the Gospels. Its usage splits clearly by meaning: the 'seize' sense appears in the arrest narratives of Jesus and in the miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:9). The 'conceive' sense is used exclusively in Luke 1-2 for the pregnancies of Elizabeth and Mary. The single instance of 'assist' is in Luke 5:7. This pattern shows Luke employing the word's full semantic range.

Etymology

Derived from σύν (syn, 'with') and λαμβάνω (lambanō, 'to take'). Literally, it means 'to take together' or 'to seize jointly.' This root meaning evolved into the specific senses of arresting (taking someone with you) and conceiving (taking seed together).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges the divine and human in the incarnation. In Luke 1:31, it describes Mary's conception of Jesus, marking the moment God takes on human flesh. The 'seizing' of Jesus (Matthew 26:55) also highlights the voluntary nature of his arrest, as he submits to being 'taken' for humanity's salvation. Understanding both meanings enriches the narrative of God's plan unfolding through both miraculous birth and judicial capture.

The dual meaning of 'seize' and 'conceive' was natural in a culture where marriage and childbearing were central. The term for conception was not purely clinical but carried the nuance of 'receiving' or 'taking hold of,' reflecting a holistic view of procreation. The legal/criminal sense of 'seizing' was common in Roman-occupied Judea, where arrests were often public and forceful.

κρατέω (krateō, G2902) — to grasp or hold firmly, often with authority; less violent than συλλαμβάνω's 'seize.' συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, G4905) — to come together; used euphemistically for sexual union, whereas συλλαμβάνω focuses on the result (conception).

Word Details

Scripture References