Lexical Summary katasuró: To drag down, to lead away forcibly Original Word: κατασύρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance arrestFrom kata and suro; to drag down, i.e. Arrest judicially -- hale. see GREEK kata see GREEK suro NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and suró Definition to drag away NASB Translation drag (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2694: κατασύρωκατασύρω; (from Herodotus down); 1. properly, to draw down, pull down (see κατά, III. 1). 2. to draw along, drag forcibly (τινα διά μέσης ἀγορᾶς, Philo in Flacc. § 20; leg. ad Gaium § 19): τινα πρός τόν κριτήν, Luke 12:58. (Cicero, pro Mil c. 14, 38 quom in judicium detrahi non posset.) Strong’s Greek 2694 appears only once in the New Testament, at Luke 12:58, where Jesus recounts the scenario of an adversary who might “drag you before the judge.” The verb conveys forceful, determined movement toward judicial reckoning. The single occurrence heightens its impact, for it is set in the wider Lukan call to discern the times and settle matters quickly (Luke 12:54-59). Cultural and Legal Background First-century judicial proceedings in the Greco-Roman world were public, often noisy affairs. Litigants had to accompany one another to the magistrate, and the stronger party could physically compel the weaker to appear. Jewish listeners—many of whom were familiar with Roman legal customs—would recognize the humiliation of being seized and marched through the streets. The picture Jesus paints is intentionally vivid: delay risks irreversible legal consequences, including incarceration and punitive debt repayment. Theological Themes: Reconciliation Before Judgment 1. Urgency of Peace. The admonition, “make every effort to reconcile with him on the way” (Luke 12:58) frames the verb’s significance. Reconciliation is not optional; it is to be pursued immediately, while “on the way.” Connection with Other Biblical Passages • Matthew 5:25-26 parallels Luke 12:58-59, also urging speedy reconciliation but without the specific verb. Ministry and Pastoral Applications 1. Conflict Resolution. The verse underscores biblical peacemaking—initiative, humility, and tangible restitution where needed. Christian leaders can appeal to Luke 12:58 when counseling estranged spouses, divided congregations, or financial disputes. Homiletical and Discipleship Insights • Sermons can contrast two journeys: one “on the way” toward grace through repentance, the other toward condemnation when stubbornness prevails. Concluding Reflection The solitary use of Strong’s 2694 concentrates attention on the peril of procrastinated peace. Whether one’s adversary is a fellow human or the holy law of God, the counsel remains: settle matters swiftly, for the day is coming when no further negotiation will be possible. |
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