ἑλκύω
To drag (literally or figuratively)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does ἑλκύω (helkýō) mean in the Bible?
ἑλκύω (helkýō) is a Greek word meaning "to drag (literally or figuratively)". ἕλκω (Hellenistic form ἑλκύω in Jhn.
Meaning
Draws with irresistible force; God's drawing toward Christ implies divine enablement, not mere invitation.
(Hellenistic form ἑλκύω in Jhn.11:1-57. with, Act.16:19), [in LXX for מָשַׁךְ, etc. ;] to draw: with accusative of thing(s), Jhn.18:10 21:6; with accusative of person(s), before ἔξω, Act.21:30; εἰς, Act.16:19, Jas.2:6. Metaphorical, to draw, lead, impel: Jhn.6:44 12:32. (For discussion of ἕ. in Oxyrh. Log., see Deiss., LAE, 437 ff.)
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 8 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain