Lexical Summary cheiragógeó: To lead by the hand Original Word: χειραγωγέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lead by the hand. From cheiragogos; to be a hand-leader, i.e. To guide (a blind person) -- lead by the hand. see GREEK cheiragogos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom cheiragógos Definition to lead by the hand NASB Translation leading...by the hand (1), led by the hand (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5496: χειραγωγέωχειραγωγέω, χειραγώγω; present passive participle χειραγωγούμενος; (χειραγωγός, which see; cf. χαλιναγωγέω); to lead by the hand: τινα, Acts 9:8; Acts 22:11. (Anacreon ( Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Acts 9:8 and Acts 22:11 contain the only New Testament uses of this verb, each describing Saul of Tarsus after the Damascus-road light left him sightless: “So they led him by the hand into Damascus” (Acts 9:8); “my companions led me by the hand into Damascus” (Acts 22:11). Context and Narrative Significance The action takes place at the hinge-point of Saul’s life. A former persecutor, suddenly dependent on others for the simplest movement, embodies the truth later preached: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). The hand-leading underscores: Historical Background In first-century Mediterranean society, guiding the blind by hand was an ordinary act of mercy. Travelers entered walled cities like Damascus through crowded gates and narrow streets; an unaided blind man would falter. The narrative’s realism enhances its credibility and highlights Christian attention to bodily needs (compare Luke 10:33-34). Theological Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency God confronts Saul directly, yet appoints unnamed companions to escort him. Scripture frequently marries God’s initiative with human service (Philippians 2:13). The future apostle to Gentiles is first rendered child-like, hand-led for three days (Acts 9:9). Leadership in Christ’s kingdom begins with dependence (Matthew 18:3-4). Earlier, Saul “dragged off” believers (Acts 8:3); now believers’ hands direct his steps. Grace reverses human violence. Relation to Old Testament Imagery Psalm 73:23—“You hold my right hand”—and Isaiah 42:6—“I will take You by the hand and keep You”—portray God’s covenant care. Acts applies the motif concretely: a blind man guided to new covenant sight. The continuity affirms Scripture’s unity. Implications for Christian Ministry • Practical compassion: Churches imitate Saul’s escorts when guiding the elderly, disabled, or spiritually newborn. Meditations on Spiritual Blindness and Guidance Every believer experiences a season of hand-leading—whether through Scripture, mentors, or providential circumstances—until maturity enables guiding others (Hebrews 5:12-14). The verb’s rare occurrence magnifies its illustrative power: conversion is not self-navigation but submission to a guiding grace. Practical Application for Today 1. Cultivate sensitivity to those whose physical or emotional limitations require assistance. Thus the tiny verb of Acts quietly testifies that the gospel moves forward on clasped hands: God’s hand upon us, and our hands extended to one another. Forms and Transliterations χειραγωγουμενος χειραγωγούμενος χειραγωγούντα χειραγωγουντες χειραγωγούντες χειραγωγοῦντες cheiragogoumenos cheiragogoúmenos cheiragōgoumenos cheiragōgoúmenos cheiragogountes cheiragogoûntes cheiragōgountes cheiragōgoûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 9:8 V-PPA-NMPGRK: οὐδὲν ἔβλεπεν χειραγωγοῦντες δὲ αὐτὸν NAS: nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought KJV: him by the hand, and brought INT: no one he saw leading by the hand moreover him Acts 22:11 V-PPM/P-NMS Strong's Greek 5496 |
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