Meaning
A person who is taken and held by an enemy, ruler, or other captor; more broadly, one who is kept under another’s control or restraint.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses captive primarily for people taken during warfare, conquest, or judgment and carried away from their homes. Captives could include men, women, and children taken by victorious armies.
The Bible also uses the term figuratively for people brought under the power or influence of something. Scripture describes both physical captivity and forms of bondage or restraint from which people may be released.
Key References
- 1 Samuel 30:2 — The Amalekites take the women captive.
- Deuteronomy 21:10 — Captives are taken during warfare.
- 2 Kings 17:6 — Israel is carried away into captivity.
- 2 Kings 24:14 — Jerusalem’s inhabitants are carried away captive.
- Isaiah 61:1 — Liberty is proclaimed to the captives.
- Luke 4:18 — Jesus applies Isaiah’s language concerning liberty to the captives.
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 — The word is used figuratively of bringing thoughts into captivity.
Related Terms
- Captivity
- Prisoner
- Bondage
- Liberty
- Spoil