5496. cheiragógeó
Lexical Summary
cheiragógeó: To lead by the hand

Original Word: χειραγωγέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: cheiragógeó
Pronunciation: khay-rah-gog-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (khi-rag-ogue-eh'-o)
KJV: lead by the hand
NASB: leading by the hand, led by the hand
Word Origin: [from G5497 (χειραγωγός - lead by the hand)]

1. to be a hand-leader, i.e. to guide (a blind person)

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 Origin
from 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: χειραγωγέω

χειραγωγέω, χειραγώγω; present passive participle χειραγωγούμενος; (χειραγωγός, which see; cf. χαλιναγωγέω); to lead by the hand: τινα, Acts 9:8; Acts 22:11. (Anacreon (), Diodorus, Plutarch, Lucian, Artemidorus Daldianus, others.)

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:
• Immediate physical helplessness after divine encounter.
• Introduction into Christian fellowship—those who once feared Saul now guide him.
• A living parable of conversion: blindness replaced by Spirit-given sight (Acts 9:18).

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).
2. Humility Precedes Commission

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).
3. From Persecutor’s Hands to Servant Hands

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.
• Discipleship: Early steps of faith often require tangible assistance; mentoring is a form of spiritual hand-leading (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Evangelism: The episode assures that even the fiercest opponent may be led into truth when God intervenes.

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.
2. Recognize moments when God removes self-sufficiency to deepen trust.
3. Offer one’s own hand—resources, presence, instruction—to those beginning their journey with Christ.

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 cheiragōgoûntes
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 9:8 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: 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
GRK: φωτὸς ἐκείνου χειραγωγούμενος ὑπὸ τῶν
NAS: of that light, I was led by the hand by those
KJV: light, being led by the hand of
INT: light of that being led by the hand by those

Strong's Greek 5496
2 Occurrences


χειραγωγούμενος — 1 Occ.
χειραγωγοῦντες — 1 Occ.

5495
Top of Page
Top of Page