Strong’s Greek 2853, kollaō, evokes the picture of two surfaces joined by glue, then expands metaphorically to any close attachment—physical, social, or spiritual. Every New Testament occurrence conveys a decisive bond, whether wholesome or destructive, temporary or eternal.

Old Testament Background

The verb commonly translates Hebrew dābaq, “to cling/cleave,” as in “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife” (Genesis 2:24 LXX). In covenant contexts Israel is urged to “cling to the LORD your God” (Joshua 23:8). The Septuagint thus prepares readers to hear kollaō as covenant language: exclusive, loyal, enduring.

Usage in the Gospels

• Matthew 19:5 cites Genesis 2:24. Jesus affirms that marriage is a God-wrought joining no human court may undo (Matthew 19:6). kollaō therefore frames marriage as covenant, not contract.
• Luke 10:11 applies the term to dust “clinging” to disciples’ sandals—a vivid contrast: those who reject the gospel remain detached from Christ and doomed to perish with what clings to them.
• Luke 15:15 portrays the prodigal son who “attached himself to a citizen of that country.” His degradation demonstrates that unprincipled alliances lead to spiritual famine.

Acts: Fellowship, Fear, and Mission

1. Acts 5:13: In Jerusalem, “No one else dared join them, even though the people held them in high honor.” The supernatural holiness surrounding the early church deterred casual adherence; joining the body meant wholehearted commitment.
2. Acts 8:29: Philip is told, “Go over and join this chariot.” Evangelistic obedience brings Gospel and Scripture together, modeling Spirit-led attachment to seekers.
3. Acts 9:26: Saul attempts to “join the disciples,” illustrating conversion’s social dimension; reconciliation to Christ implies union with His people.
4. Acts 10:28: Peter reminds Cornelius’ household that a Jew “is not allowed to associate with or visit a foreigner,” yet God overturns ethnic barriers. Here kollaō underscores gospel inclusivity without erasing holiness.
5. Acts 17:34: After the Areopagus address, “some men joined him and believed,” showing true faith expresses itself in visible attachment to the missionary and message.

Pauline Epistles: Moral and Mystical Union

• Romans 12:9: “Cling to what is good.” Christian ethics require active adhesion to virtue, not mere avoidance of evil.
• 1 Corinthians 6:16–17 contrasts sexual immorality with spiritual union: “He who unites himself with a prostitute is one body with her… But he who unites himself with the Lord is one spirit with Him.” The same verb exposes the counterfeit intimacy of sin and the surpassing reality of union with Christ.

Apocalyptic Warning

Revelation 18:5 speaks of Babylon’s sins that “are piled up to heaven.” The imagery of sins glued together—layer upon layer—signals irreversible judgment on systems that cling to wickedness.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Glue: Whether marriage or the believer’s union with Christ, kollaō illuminates the inseparability intended by divine covenant.
2. Holiness of the Church: Acts demonstrates that membership entails sober alignment with apostolic doctrine and communal purity.
3. Evangelistic Attachment: Genuine faith consistently shows itself by drawing near to gospel messengers and their congregations.
4. Moral Discernment: Scripture warns against adhesive alliances with sin, culture, or false worship; believers must discern what bonds to form or sever.
5. Eschatological Consequences: Persistent adhesion to sin, as with Babylon, guarantees divine recompense.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Marriage Counseling: Pastors appeal to kollaō to affirm permanency and sacramental depth.
• Church Membership: Elders may point to Acts 5 and Acts 9 to underscore the seriousness of “joining” a local assembly.
• Discipleship: Encourage new believers to “cling to the Lord” (echoing Acts 11:23, where a cognate noun appears) by prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and service.
• Sanctification: Romans 12:9 calls saints to deliberate attachment to goodness, implying active pursuit rather than passive avoidance.
• Evangelism: Like Philip, workers should heed the Spirit’s promptings to “join” those whom God has prepared.

Conclusion

Kollaō summons readers to evaluate every bond: Are we glued to Christ and His people, or fused to transient pleasures and idolatrous systems? Scripture celebrates holy adhesion and exposes destructive attachments, urging wholehearted union with the Lord who promises never to let go.