ἀγρεύω
agreúō
G64 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To hunt, to catch by pursuit or through skillful trapping. In its core sense, ἀγρεύω denotes engaging in hunting for game animals or capturing living creatures. In extended or metaphorical contexts, it can also mean to catch, entrap, or ensnare persons, either literally or figuratively.
Semantic Range
to hunt game, to pursue and capture, to trap animals, to catch fish, to ensnare or entrap persons (literal or figurative), to secure by pursuit
Root / Etymology
From the root ἄγρα (meaning 'a hunt', 'prey', 'catch'). The verb ἀγρεύω is a denominative formation from this noun, indicating the action of pursuing or securing game or quarry.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀγρεύω primarily describes the literal act of hunting wild animals, including the pursuit, trapping, or catching of game. By the Hellenistic period, the verb also acquires extended uses: it may mean seizing or catching animals, fish, or even metaphorically refer to capturing or seducing persons (e.g., in philosophical or rhetorical discourse, 'catching' someone with words or arguments). In the Septuagint and the Greek of the New Testament, the word is rare, with only a few attestations, often in the figurative sense of 'catching' people. Common English translations render ἀγρεύω as 'catch' or 'entrap'; however, 'hunt' better reflects the original sense, and 'catch' may obscure the intentional and sometimes skillful aspect of the action. The more frequent synonym in the New Testament for 'catching fish' is ἁλιεύω. The nuance of 'hunting down' or 'trapping' (in contrast to open capture) should be preserved in interpretation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἄγρα; to hunt, i.e. (figuratively) to entrap:--catch.
Root Family
ἀγρεύω (agreúō) — to hunt, to catch, to trap
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G64-01 |
ἀγρεύσωσιν | agreusosin | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL |
they might catch | they might hunt down | they might catch | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G64-01 |
Mark 12:13 | ἀγρεύσωσιν | agreusosin | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P PL |
they might catch | they might hunt down | they might catch |