χαλιναγωγέω
chalinagōgéō
G5468 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To control or restrain by means of a bridle; to hold in check, especially of impulses, desires, or the tongue. The primary lexical meaning centers on exercising control or restraint, particularly in a metaphorical sense, over one's own speech or behavior.
Semantic Range
to put a bridle on, to restrain with a bridle, to keep in check (emotion or impulse), to control (especially speech or the tongue)
Root / Etymology
From χαλινός (bridle, bit) + ἀγω (to lead, to bring), literally meaning 'to lead with a bridle.' The compound expresses the notion of imposing external guidance or restraint, as with a horse.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In both Hellenistic and Koine Greek, χαλιναγωγέω rarely appears outside biblical and moral-philosophical contexts. In the New Testament (notably James 1:26; 3:2), it is used exclusively in reference to controlling the tongue, extending the equestrian metaphor to verbal self-control. In the Septuagint and later Greek ethical texts, similar language is employed for mastery over passions or bodily impulses, though the precise form is uncommon. Standard English translations as 'bridle' or 'restrain' capture the metaphor but may obscure the implied imagery of horse control. Classical sources prefer verbs like κρατέω or ἐγκρατεύομαι for general self-control; χαλιναγωγέω stresses the manner of control — externally harnessing something potentially unruly. The verb is a biblical and later rhetorical formation, not common in everyday Greek outside these circles.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of χαλινός and the reduplicated form of ἄγω; to be a bit-leader, i.e. to curb (figuratively):--bridle.
Root Family
χαλιναγωγέω (chalinagōgeō) — to bridle, to lead with a bit, to control, to restrain
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5468-01 |
χαλιναγωγῆσαι | chalinagogesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to bridle | to bridle | to bridle | 1 |
G5468-02 |
χαλιναγωγῶν | chalinagogon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
bridling | bridling | bridling | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5468-02 |
James 1:26 | χαλιναγωγῶν | chalinagogon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
bridling | bridling | bridling |
G5468-01 |
James 3:2 | χαλιναγωγῆσαι | chalinagogesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to bridle | to bridle | to bridle |