δουλαγωγέω
doulagōgéō
G1396 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make someone or something behave as a slave; to subdue, control, or keep under strict discipline. In most attested contexts, the term is metaphorical—referring to subjecting one's own body, desires, or passions to strict discipline as a master would exercise control over a slave. The core sense is to treat like a slave, particularly by enforcing subjection or rigorous discipline, often used in self-mastery or ethical contexts rather than in reference to literal slavery.
Semantic Range
to treat as a slave, to subjugate, to bring under harsh control, to discipline or master (especially one's own body or desires), to enslave (metaphorically)
Root / Etymology
Formed from δοῦλος ('slave, servant') and ἄγω ('to lead, bring'), thus meaning 'to lead or treat as a slave.' This verbal compound does not have substantial attestation prior to the Koine period and appears to be a creative formation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
δουλαγωγέω is a rare verb, primarily attested in the New Testament (notably 1 Corinthians 9:27), where Paul uses it metaphorically for the act of subduing or exercising strict control over one's own body, likening the process to enslavement for the sake of discipline. There are no known classical Greek attestations; the term appears to be a Pauline or early Christian coinage. In translation traditions, expressions like 'bring into subjection' or 'subdue' are often used, but these may conceal the strong imagery of 'enslaving' inherent to the Greek. In Hellenistic and Roman culture, the notion of self-mastery was highly valued, and Paul's usage taps into both this ideal and the harsh reality of enslaving (δουλάγης) in the ancient world. The verb is distinct from more general terms for subjugation (e.g., ὑποτάσσω), emphasizing an intensity or rigor akin to that exercised over a slave.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a presumed compound of δοῦλος and ἄγω; to be a slave-driver, i.e. to enslave (figuratively, subdue):--bring into subjection.
Root Family
δουλαγωγέω (doulagōgeō) — to enslave, to subdue, to control strictly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1396-01 |
δουλαγωγῶ | doulagogo | V PRS ACT IND 1P SG |
enslave | I enslave | I enslave | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1396-01 |
1 Corinthians 9:27 | δουλαγωγῶ | doulagogo | V PRS ACT IND 1P SG |
enslave | I enslave | I enslave |