Lexical Summary drassomai: To grasp, to seize Original Word: δρασσόμαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to catch, seizePerhaps akin to the base of drakon (through the idea of capturing); to grasp, i.e. (figuratively) entrap -- take. see GREEK drakon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to grasp, fig. entrap NASB Translation catches (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1405: δράσσομαιδράσσομαι; to grasp with the hand, to take: τινα, 1 Corinthians 3:19 (Buttmann, 291 (250); Winers Grammar, 352 (330)). (In Greek writings from Homer down; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The verb behind Strong’s Greek 1405 paints a vivid picture of a sudden, resolute grasp. In Scripture it depicts God’s decisive action in overruling human self-confidence. Rather than indicating a gentle touch, the word evokes a hunter’s firm clutch on prey, stressing both power and purposeful intent. New Testament Use 1 Corinthians 3:19 is the sole New Testament occurrence. Paul, challenging the Corinthians’ fascination with worldly eloquence, cites Job 5:13: “For it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’”. By choosing this verb, the apostle underscores that the Lord does not merely expose human cleverness—He seizes and disarms it. The context (1 Corinthians 3:18-20) contrasts “the wisdom of this world” with the wisdom that comes from God, reminding believers that divine wisdom is not an enhancement of human ingenuity but its corrective. Old Testament Background The passage Paul quotes appears in the Septuagint version of Job, where Eliphaz asserts that God “grasps the wise in their wisdom.” Throughout the Old Testament, similar imagery portrays God thwarting schemes (Job 5:12; Psalm 33:10) or delivering justice by unexpected reversals (Esther 7:10; Daniel 6:24). The concept is not accidental but rooted in covenant theology: human pride meets divine prerogative, and the covenant-keeping God vindicates righteousness by overturning arrogant plots. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty – The term magnifies God’s active rule over events. He is not a passive observer but the One who interrupts human stratagems at will. Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching – Proclaim that God’s wisdom makes the gospel “the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24), unmoved by academic fashion. Illustrations from Church History • Augustine’s conversion illustrates this “grasp”: the philosopher was seized by a single verse (Romans 13:13-14) after years of self-directed inquiry. Personal Application Believers may feel overshadowed by sophisticated secular narratives. Yet 1 Corinthians 3:19 assures that God remains capable of intercepting and redirecting even the most intimidating intellects. Our task is to walk humbly, pray earnestly, and proclaim faithfully, trusting the Lord to “grasp” hearts and minds for His glory. Related Biblical Concepts • The snare motif (Psalm 18:5; Proverbs 29:6). Summary Strong’s Greek 1405 underscores a God who acts decisively against proud scheming. In its lone New Testament appearance, the word reminds the church that human brilliance, untethered from divine truth, will ultimately be caught in the hand of Almighty God. Forms and Transliterations δραξάμενος δράξασθε δράξεται δρασσομενος δρασσόμενος drassomenos drassómenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 3:19 V-PPM/P-NMSGRK: γάρ Ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς NAS: For it is written, [He is] THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE KJV: it is written, He taketh the wise INT: indeed the [one] catches the wise |
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