This verb means to take captive, capture prisoners, or lead away as spoils of war. Paul uses it in Ephesians 4:8 quoting Psalm 68:18: "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive." The imagery draws from ancient victory processions where conquering generals paraded their captives through the streets. Applied to Christ's ascension, the verb depicts Jesus' triumph over spiritual enemies—He conquered death, hell, sin, and Satan, leading them in His triumphal procession. The paradoxical phrase "led captivity captive" suggests taking captive the very forces that held humanity captive.