Lexical Summary anagkazó: To compel, to force, to constrain Original Word: ἀναγκάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance compel, constrain. From anagke; to necessitate -- compel, constrain. see GREEK anagke HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 315 anagkázō – to compel (constrain), doing so with urgency (as a pressing necessity). See 318 (anagkē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anagké Definition to necessitate, compel NASB Translation compel (3), compelled (2), force (1), forced (1), made (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 315: ἀναγκάζωἀναγκάζω; (imperfect ἠνάγκαζον); 1 aorist ἠνάγκασα; 1 aorist passive ἠναγκάσθην; (from ἀνάγκη); (fr. Sophocles down); to necessitate, compel, drive to, constrain, whether by force, threats, etc., or by persuasion, entreaties, etc., or by other means: τινα, 2 Corinthians 12:11 (by your behavior toward me); τινα followed by an infinitive, Acts 26:11; Acts 28:19; Galatians 2:3, 14 (by your example); Topical Lexicon Overview and NuancesThe verb rendered “to compel” conveys the idea of pressing someone or being pressed by circumstances so forcefully that resistance gives way. The compulsion may be physical (Matthew 14:22), social (Galatians 6:12), legal (Acts 28:19), or moral (2 Corinthians 12:11). In every instance the term highlights tension between free choice and irresistible pressure, exposing both rightful and wrongful uses of authority. Occurrences and Contextual Insights 1. Matthew 14:22 and Mark 6:45 – Jesus “made” the disciples board the boat before He dismissed the crowd. The urgency underscores His sovereign direction and protective care, sending them away from a setting that was ripening for misguided messianic zeal (compare John 6:15). 2. Luke 14:23 – In the parable of the Great Banquet the master commands, “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that My house will be full.” The verb portrays zealous persuasion, not coercion that violates conscience. The picture is of earnest, loving insistence grounded in the host’s generosity. 3. Galatians 2:3; 2:14; 6:12 – Paul employs the term polemically. Judaizers “compel” Gentiles to adopt circumcision, weaponizing peer pressure to avoid persecution. Paul counters that the gospel liberates rather than constrains believers under obsolete rituals. In 2:14 he exposes Peter’s inconsistency: “How can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” Such misuse of authority distorts grace. 4. Acts 26:11 – Before conversion Paul “tried to compel them to blaspheme,” revealing how religious zeal can turn into violent coercion against true faith. 5. Acts 28:19 – Roman justice becomes the constraining force: “I was compelled to appeal to Caesar.” Paul respects civil law while maintaining a clear conscience toward Israel. 6. 2 Corinthians 12:11 – “I have become a fool, but you drove me to it.” Reluctantly boasting, Paul is pressed by the Corinthians’ immaturity. The same word conveys internal necessity born of pastoral responsibility. Theological Themes • Divine Authority versus Human Manipulation Scripture affirms God’s right to compel obedience (Matthew 14:22), yet condemns religious or social compulsion that undermines gospel freedom (Galatians 6:12). • Grace-Driven Persuasion Luke 14:23 legitimizes fervent evangelistic urgency. The church must “compel” by persuasive proclamation and loving hospitality rather than force. • Conscience and Liberty in Christ Paul’s repeated use in Galatians emphasizes that external rituals cannot be demanded where the Spirit grants liberty. Christian leadership persuades but does not coerce conscience. • Providence in Constraint Acts 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 12:11 show that circumstances may constrain believers for greater gospel advance. Compulsion under God’s providence becomes a channel for witness before rulers and for apostolic teaching. Historical and Cultural Considerations In the Greco-Roman world the term described military drafts, civic obligations, or legal summonses. New Testament writers draw on that backdrop to illustrate spiritual realities: disciples obey a higher Commander; false teachers mimic imperial pressure; magistrates enforce Roman law, yet God overrules human courts. Pastoral and Missional Applications 1. Evangelism – Luke 14:23 encourages earnest invitation. Urgency, not violence; persuasive reasoning, not manipulation. 2. Church Leadership – Galatians warns elders against adding legal burdens. Spiritual authority serves, teaches, and exhorts but does not strong-arm. 3. Suffering and Providence – When external forces constrain believers (Acts 28:19), trust that God orchestrates those pressures for testimony. 4. Personal Conduct – Like Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:11, shepherds may feel compelled to defend ministry integrity. Such necessity must remain anchored in humility and the gospel’s honor. Summary The nine New Testament uses of this verb trace a spectrum from Christ’s rightful direction to human abuse of power. They collectively affirm that while God may compel for His redemptive purposes, the gospel frees from illegitimate coercion, calling believers to persuasive love, respectful authority, and steadfast trust amidst constraining circumstances. Forms and Transliterations αναγκαζεις αναγκάζεις ἀναγκάζεις αναγκάζοντα αναγκαζουσιν αναγκάζουσιν ἀναγκάζουσιν αναγκασον ανάγκασον ἀνάγκασον ηναγκαζον ηνάγκαζον ἠνάγκαζον ηναγκασατε ἠναγκάσατε ηνάγκασε ηναγκασεν ηνάγκασεν ἠνάγκασεν ηναγκασθη ηναγκάσθη ἠναγκάσθη ηναγκασθην ηναγκάσθην ἠναγκάσθην anankason anánkason anankazeis anankázeis anankazousin anankázousin enankasate enankásate ēnankasate ēnankásate enankasen enánkasen ēnankasen ēnánkasen enankasthe enankásthe ēnankasthē ēnankásthē enankasthen enankásthen ēnankasthēn ēnankásthēn enankazon enánkazon ēnankazon ēnánkazonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 14:22 V-AIA-3SGRK: Καὶ εὐθέως ἠνάγκασεν τοὺς μαθητὰς NAS: Immediately He made the disciples get KJV: Jesus constrained his INT: And immediately he compelled the disciples Mark 6:45 V-AIA-3S Luke 14:23 V-AMA-2S Acts 26:11 V-IIA-1S Acts 28:19 V-AIP-1S 2 Corinthians 12:11 V-AIA-2P Galatians 2:3 V-AIP-3S Galatians 2:14 V-PIA-2S Galatians 6:12 V-PIA-3P Strong's Greek 315 |
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