Draw

Greek Word Pronunciation: hel-KU-oh
Strong's Number: 1670
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 1816
Key Verse: “No one can come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me draws him.” -- John 6:44

The New Testament has approximately 15 words translated as “draw.” Three of these words are discussed below, in regard to men drawing near to God, and of God drawing men to Himself.

The first is eggizo, which means “to approach.” This word is found in Hebrews 7:19 and James 4:8. Approach God in the name of Jesus, by faith and prayer, and He will draw near to you; He will meet you at your coming. When a soul sets out to seek God, God sets out to meet that soul; so that while we are drawing near to Him, He is drawing near to us.

The second word is proserxomai, which means “to come or go.” This word was used commonly of a sinner’s approach to God through Old Testament sacrifices. In the New Testament, it is used of a sinner’s approach to God through the sacrifice of Christ. This is found in Hebrews 4:16, 7:25, 10:1, and 10:22.

The third is our word helkuo. It is a strong word which means “to tug, draw, or compel,” and is found 6 times in the New Testament. In each usage, whatever was drawn came; there is never a suggestion or hint that whatever was drawn was not accomplished. It is used in John 18:10 of drawing a sword, John 21:6 and 11 of hauling/drawing a net full of fish, and Acts 16:19, of Paul and Silas being dragged into the marketplace. In John 12:32, Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up, will draw all men to Myself.” The context from verses 20-32 is the issue of Gentiles coming to Jesus. They must be drawn by way of the Cross. Some men are repelled by Christ, but this is the way that sinners can and will come to Christ, the only way to the Father.

In the key verse, JOHN 6:44, God “draws” by the gospel. His compelling is clarified in the entire book of John (1:12-13; 6:37, 65). It is God who draws us through the Holy Spirit enlightening our mind to the His glorious salvation. Luther says: “The drawing is not like that of the executioner, who draws the thief up the ladder to the gallows; but it is a gracious allurement, such as that of the man whom everybody loves, and to whom everybody willingly goes.”