LEADING CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE

There have been many times in my life when I consulted a dictionary. However, have you ever wondered where the people who write dictionaries get their definitions. That is an important question because words do have meaning, and that meaning is not just a matter of opinion. Dictionaries get their definitions from looking at the way words are used in everyday conversation, and the meaning ascribed to them by their context. For example: When Jesus called Herod a fox (Luke 13:32), we know exactly what he meant. It is not a matter of opinion! The context and way the word is used makes the meaning abundantly clear.

However, in reading the Bible we sometimes encounter words and phrases that are not clear to us because we have no counterpart in modern English. The words, “He [Christ] led captivity captive” is one such phrase (Eph. 4:8 KJV). What those words mean is that Christ led prisoners captive. It is not talking about freeing prisoners. It is talking about taking prisoners. How do I know? I know because the same phrase is used in the Book of Judges where we read, “Arise, Barak, and lead your captivity captive” (Jud. 5:12). Barak was leading his prisoners captive, not freeing them! That is why the Jerusalem Bible translates Ephesians 4:8 as, “When he ascended to the height, he captured prisoners”. And, that is why the Modern Language Bible translates it, “As he ascended on high, He led the captured away into captivity”.

Now: my point is this. When we encounter a word or phrase that we are unfamiliar with, we should never allow our imagination to run wild. Those who misrepresent what the Bible says by reading false meanings into the text only hinder the work of reaching the world with the saving message of forgiveness in Christ.