Lexical Summary aggareuó: to compel, to press into service Original Word: ἀγγαρεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hagar. Of foreign origin (compare 'iggra'); properly, to be a courier, i.e. (by implication) to press into public service -- compel (to go). see HEBREW 'iggra' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Pers. origin, cf. iggerah Definition to impress, compel NASB Translation forces (1), pressed into service (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 29: ἀγγαρεύωἀγγαρεύω; future ἀγγαρεύσω; 1 aorist ἠγγάρευσα; to employ a courier, despatch a mounted messenger. A word of Persian origin (used by Menander, Sicyon. 4), but adopted also into Latin (Vulg.angariare). Ἄγγαροι were public couriers (tabellarii), stationed by appointment of the king of Persia at fixed localities, with horses ready for use, in order to transmit royal messages from one to another and so convey them the more speedily to their destination. See Herodotus 8, 98 (and Rawlinson's note); Xenophon, Cyril 8, 6, 17 (9); cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus under the word אִגֶרֶת; (B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Historical Background The verb describes the legally sanctioned practice of compelling a civilian to render immediate aid to an official courier or soldier. Originating in the Persian royal postal system and later adopted by Rome, such impressment typically involved carrying a load or acting as a guide. Under Roman occupation, Jewish subjects were obligated to comply, though the law fixed the distance at roughly one Roman mile. New Testament Occurrences • Matthew 5:41 – “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” The Teaching of Jesus (Matthew 5:41) In the Sermon on the Mount the Lord uses the hated civil requirement to illustrate a kingdom principle: voluntary, sacrificial service that transcends mere legal obligation. By urging disciples to walk a second mile, He redirects resentment toward enemy occupiers into an opportunity for witness, thus embodying the love that “overcomes evil with good.” He neither condones injustice nor foments rebellion; He reorients the disciple’s heart toward generous, grace-filled obedience. Simon of Cyrene and the Cross (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21) When Roman soldiers requisition Simon, the scene graphically links forced service with the path of the cross. Simon, initially an unwilling participant, becomes a living illustration of discipleship: bearing the instrument of Christ’s suffering. The mention of his sons Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21) suggests his family later became known in the early church (compare Romans 16:13), implying that a coerced act blossomed into enduring faith and ministry influence. Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty of God: Human compulsion cannot thwart divine purpose; it serves it. The Roman order pressed Simon into a role that fulfilled prophecy and displayed the manner of Christ’s redemptive death. Pastoral and Missional Application • Hospitality and Aid: When unbelievers or authorities place unexpected demands on Christians, gracious compliance can open doors for gospel conversation. Old Testament Foreshadowing Compulsory labor appears under pagan rule (e.g., Egypt in Exodus 1:11) and Israel’s monarchy (1 Samuel 8:11); yet in both cases God works His purposes. The New Testament verb completes this trajectory by attaching forced service to the redemptive mission of Christ. Christ as Fulfillment of the Law By internalizing the principle of compulsory service and elevating it to loving initiative, Jesus fulfills the letter and spirit of the Mosaic Law. The cross event—with Simon drafted into participation—shows that what begins as law ends as grace, demonstrating how the Messiah transforms coercion into voluntary, joyous obedience. Summary The three uses of this verb capture a movement from legal compulsion to willing discipleship. Jesus instructs His followers to exceed imposed duty; Simon embodies that directive in history; and the church is called to imitate both the Teacher and the compelled bearer of the cross, turning even unwelcome demands into occasions for advancing the gospel and magnifying Christ. Forms and Transliterations αγγαρεύουσι αγγαρευουσιν ἀγγαρεύουσιν αγγαρευσει ἀγγαρεύσει ηγγαρευσαν ηγγάρευσαν ἠγγάρευσαν angareuousin angareúousin angareusei angareúsei engareusan engáreusan ēngareusan ēngáreusanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:41 V-FIA-3SGRK: ὅστις σε ἀγγαρεύσει μίλιον ἕν NAS: Whoever forces you to go one mile, KJV: shall compel thee to go a mile, INT: whoever you will compel to go mile one Matthew 27:32 V-AIA-3P Mark 15:21 V-PIA-3P Strong's Greek 29 |
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