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ἑλκύω

helkýō

G1670 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To draw, pull, or drag (by force or with effort), either literally (as with a net, sword, or person) or figuratively (as of attracting or influencing someone or something). In literal contexts, emphasizes physical movement through pulling action; in metaphorical contexts, suggests being drawn or led by internal or external compulsion.

Semantic Range

to drag (physically), to pull with effort, to draw (as with a net or sword), to attract or draw (figuratively, as influence), to be compelled

Root / Etymology

From root ἑλκ- of unclear origin, though sometimes compared to ἕλκω (an older or poetic form) and ἑλίσσω (to turn, roll), or related to ἁλίσκομαι (to be taken, captured). Etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἑλκύω is used to indicate physical dragging or pulling, such as dragging a net (Homer, Odyssey), hauling an object, or drawing a sword. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, the word retains this core sense but is also used figuratively, as in being compelled or drawn by inner or outer influence (cf. LXX: Song of Songs 1:4, "Draw me after you"). In the New Testament, most notably in John (John 6:44, 12:32, 21:6, 21:11), it appears in both literal senses (hauling the net) and figurative senses (being drawn to a person). English translations often render the verb as "draw" or sometimes "drag"; however, 'draw' may understate the forceful nuance often implied in the Greek, where an element of compulsion or effort is present, unlike milder or more voluntary senses implied by 'attract.' Distinct from words meaning 'to invite' or 'to call,' ἑλκύω emphasizes the action of exerting force, physically or metaphorically. Related but not identical to ἁλίσκομαι (to be caught, captured), and distinguished from ἑλίσσω (to roll, coil), which involves circular motion rather than pulling. In Koine, especially in the NT, it is more common than the related ἕλκω, but their meanings substantially overlap.

Translation Consistency

primary "draw" 3 occurrences

“Draw” naturally covers both the literal sense (to pull or drag something) and the common figurative sense (to attract or be led). It is the most neutral, natural English verb that fits the typical uses in the SILEX range and will produce natural-sounding inflected forms for both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Alternatives (5 occurrences):
"drew" (2x) "dragging" (2x) "dragged" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably akin to αἱρέομαι; to drag (literally or figuratively):--draw. Compare ἑλίσσω.

Root Family

ἑλκύω (helkyō) — to pull, to drag, to draw

Root ἑλκ- to pull, to drag, to draw

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1670-03 εἵλκυσεν eilkusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG dragged he pulled he drew 2
G1670-02 εἵλκυσαν eilkusan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they dragged they were dragging they dragged 1
G1670-01 εἷλκον eilkon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL they dragged they were dragging they were dragging 1
G1670-06 ἑλκύσῃ elkuse V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG draws may draw may draw 1
G1670-04 ἕλκουσιν elkousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL drag they are dragging are dragging 1
G1670-07 ἑλκύσω elkuso V FUT ACT IND 1P SG I will draw I will draw I will draw 1
G1670-05 ἑλκύσαι elkusai V AOR ACT INF to draw to drag to draw 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1670-06 John 6:44 ἑλκύσῃ elkuse V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG draws may draw may draw
G1670-07 John 12:32 ἑλκύσω elkuso V FUT ACT IND 1P SG I will draw I will draw I will draw
G1670-03 John 18:10 εἵλκυσεν eilkusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG drew he pulled he drew
G1670-05 John 21:6 ἑλκύσαι elkusai V AOR ACT INF to draw to drag to draw
G1670-03 John 21:11 εἵλκυσεν eilkusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG dragged he pulled he drew
G1670-02 Acts 16:19 εἵλκυσαν eilkusan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they dragged they were dragging they dragged
G1670-01 Acts 21:30 εἷλκον eilkon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL they dragged they were dragging they were dragging
G1670-04 James 2:6 ἕλκουσιν elkousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL drag they are dragging are dragging
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