WORD STUDY

The Greek word kollao appears ten times within the pages of the NT documents (seven by Luke, three by Paul --- his other two are in I Cor. 6:16-17). It appears numerous times in the OT and Apocrypha (Deut. 10:20; II Kings 18:6; Psalm 63:8). It comes from the root word meaning "glue" --- "to glue or weld together, attach one's self to, adhere to, cement firmly together." It conveys the idea of "forming an intimate connection with, entering into the closest relations with, uniting one's self to" (Thayer, p. 353). The word agathos appears 102 times in the NT. It "describes that which, being good in its character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect" (Vine's Expos. Dictionary).

COMMENTARY

"The word rendered cleave to denotes properly the act of gluing, or uniting firmly by glue. It is then used to denote a very firm adherence to an object; to be firmly united to it. Here it means that Christians should be firmly attached to that which is good" (Barnes, p. 280).

This Greek word "denotes the closest possible adherence" (Shedd, p. 367).

"To these we are to cling, not feebly, but with a hold which no earthly power or temptation can break" (Lard, p. 389).

"....used with reference to being joined most firmly and most permanently to some object" (Lenski, p. 767).

"Be cemented or glued to that which is good; so the word literally signifies. Have an unalterable attachment to whatever leads to God, and contributes to the welfare of your fellow creatures" (Clarke, p. 139).

Home Page Romans 12:9-21 Files