ἁρπαγή
harpagē
plunder
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the given data, the Greek word ἁρπαγή (harpagē) has a direct and practical meaning as "plunder". This term is anchored in the context of warfare and conflict, indicating the spoils or booty that are taken in battle. Its three occurrences in the Bible suggest it is used in specific narrative contexts to convey the reality of warfare and its consequences. The significance of ἁρπαγή lies in its concrete representation of the spoils of war. This word does not carry any abstract or metaphorical connotations, but rather serves as a straightforward descriptor of the tangible results of conflict. Its brevity and clarity underscore the importance of spoils and plunder as a tangible outcome of military victory, adding a layer of realism to the biblical narrative. The use of ἁρπαγή highlights the stark contrast between the ideals of peace and the harsh realities of war. By emphasizing the material consequences of conflict, this word grounds the narrative in the physical and tangible world, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness.
Luke 11:39The Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.
Hebrews 10:34For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.