πιάζω
piazō
to arrest/catch
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word πιάζω (piazō) has a definition of "to arrest/catch". This verb falls under the semantic domain of Movement & Travel, suggesting a sense of seizing or capturing something in motion. In the Bible, πιάζω is used 12 times, indicating a fairly significant range of application. Given its definition, πιάζω likely connotes a sense of suddenness and action, implying a swift and decisive movement to apprehend something. This verb could be used to describe physical actions, such as arresting or catching a person, or it could be applied metaphorically to capture situations or emotions. The 12 occurrences of πιάζω in the Bible will reveal the nuanced ways in which this verb is used, but at its core, it involves a swift and decisive act of seizing or catching.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
12 total occurrences across the text
They sought therefore to take him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
John 7:32The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.
John 7:44Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him.
John 8:20Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he taught in the temple. Yet no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
John 10:39They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand.
John 11:57Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him.
John 21:3Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.
John 21:10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
Acts 3:7He took him by the right hand and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.
Acts 12:4When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.
2 Corinthians 11:32In Damascus the governor under King Aretas guarded the Damascenes’ city, desiring to arrest me.
Revelation 19:20The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.