Word Study: 'Apprehend' in Philippians 3:12

First off, apologies beforehand. I'm going to be away from internet access for a couple of days here, and so there won't be much activity going on. But, never fear... I'll be back in about a week!

In the meantime, I did a word study a while ago on the word 'apprehend' from Paul's epistle in Philippians 3:12...

Webster’s World Dictionary gives the definition for apprehend as “to capture or arrest; to perceive, understand; to fear; dread”. It is with this definition in mind that we read what the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12: “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus (KJV).” That we may therefore know Him, and thus, in the Christian walk must press on in the grace of God toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

According to the Strong’s concordance, apprehend originates from katalambano, which is the Greek transliteration for the word 'apprehend' as used in Philippians 3:12. The etymology of katalambano derives from two Greek words. The first, kata (dictionary number 2596), is a primary particle meaning “down” in regards to place or time. The second, lambano (dictionary number 2983), is a prolonged form of a primary verb used alternately in particular tenses. Lambano means “to take, or act, or to get hold off”. In the Greek language, the dictionary definition of katalambano would include: “to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess, etc. (lit. or fig.)”. Katalambano, in the King James Version, then translates into English as “apprehend, attain, come upon, comprehend, find, obtain, perceive, overtake, and take”.

Throughout the New Testament, various authors use katalambano effectively. For example in Ephesians 3:18, Paul expresses his desire for the Ephesians to comprehend (katalambano) the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of God. In Romans 9:30, Paul gives reason for Israel’s failure and unbelief by contrasting Israel with the Gentiles who out of faith attained (katalambano) righteousness. Similarly, Peter in Acts 10:34, expresses the theme of his sermon while preaching to Cornelius’ house by saying that he perceives (katalambano) that God does not respect persons, rather, He accepts the nations that fear Him and work righteousness. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul urges the Christians to run toward the incorruptible prize, that they might obtain (katalambano) it. With these passages of scripture, Paul makes clear the importance of being consumed with the depth and magnitude of God – His righteousness and love. He also makes it clear that it is something that the believer must actively participate in. Also, in John 12:35 Jesus admonishes his followers to walk in the light, “lest the darkness come (katalambano) upon you.” It is interesting to note that in 1 Thessalonians 5:4, Paul reminds Christians that they do not live in darkness, and therefore the coming of the Lord should not overtake (katalambano) them. In Mark 9:18, the word katalambano is used in a desperate situation: a father brings to Jesus his demon-possessed son. Scripture describes the behavior of the spirit when it would take (katalambano) the son in the physical before it was cast out. One more scripture, Acts 25:25 makes use of katalambano by referencing a speech that Festus makes in the presence of King Agrippa in regards to what he had found (katalambano) about Paul, after Paul has made an appeal to Caesar’s higher court.

Acts 4:13 also uses the past tense of perceive (katalambano) when describing the boldness of Peter and Paul before the Sanhedrin.

Therefore, in Philippians 3:10, Paul states his desire to apprehend (“that is, to come upon, comprehend, find, obtain, perceive, overtake, and take”) that for which he himself has been “apprehended of Christ Jesus”. That is, to know Christ, the object of the believer’s desire, and to be known by Christ. Katalambano makes it clear to the believer that we must actively capture, understand and grasp the things of God. It is vital for the believer. Philippians three ties in all of the key themes of apprehend, to emphasize this on-going relationship with Christ. Also, we can also allow ourselves to become captured and overtaken ourselves, and therefore we must be on our guard by daily apprehending Christ.

Have a great week, everyone!