Lexical Summary anagkaios: Necessary, needful, indispensable Original Word: ἀναγκαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance necessary, needful. From anagke; necessary; by implication, close (of kin) -- near, necessary, necessity, needful. see GREEK anagke HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 316 anagkaíos – necessary. See 318 (anagkē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anagké Definition necessary NASB Translation close (1), more necessary (1), necessary (5), pressing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 316: ἀναγκαῖοςἀναγκαῖος, , (ἀνάγκη) (from Homer down (in various senses)), necessary; a. what one cannot do without, indispensable: 1 Corinthians 12:22 (τά μέλη); Titus 3:14 b. connected by the bonds of nature or of friendship: Acts 10:24 (ἀναγκαῖοι (A. V. near) φίλοι). c. what ought according to the law of duty to be done, what is required by the condition of things: Philippians 1:24. ἀναγκαῖον ἐστι followed by accusative with the infinitive, Acts 13:46; Hebrews 8:3. ἀναγκαῖον ἡγεῖσθαι to deem necessary, followed by an infinitive, Philippians 2:25; 2 Corinthians 9:5. Strong’s Greek 316 (ἀναγκαῖος) consistently signals what is required by God-given duty, vital relationship, or urgent circumstance. Each use marks something that cannot be set aside without loss to gospel advance, congregational health, or covenant faithfulness. Occurrences and Themes 1. Acts 10:24 – the “close friends” summoned by Cornelius show that kingdom breakthroughs enlist relationships deemed necessary to prepare hearts for the word. Necessity in Gospel Proclamation Acts 13:46 shows divine compulsion directing the missionary itinerary. The adjective frames evangelism not as human preference but as covenant obligation: first to Israel, then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). This necessity explains the apostles’ boldness amid opposition. Indispensability within the Body of Christ In 1 Corinthians 12:22 Paul counters a culture that prizes visible gifting. Those deemed weak are “indispensable,” teaching that no member is surplus. Spiritual gifts exist by divine appointment; marginalizing any gift disrupts the Spirit’s design for mutual edification. Necessity in Stewardship and Benevolence 2 Corinthians 9:5 and Titus 3:14 link necessity to material support. Paul’s foresight prevents “extortion” and ensures the offering remains a willing gift. Titus instructs congregations to cultivate readiness for “pressing needs.” Necessity therefore guides charitable priorities, freeing believers from careless giving and idle benevolence. Necessity of Personal Presence Philippians 1:24 and 2:25 show that ministry often requires physical proximity. Paul’s remaining in the body and Epaphroditus’s journey are portrayed as necessary, not optional, illustrating that letters and emissaries complement, but never replace, embodied fellowship. Necessity Rooted in Redemptive Priesthood Hebrews 8:3 extends the concept from human duty to messianic fulfillment: “it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer.” The gracious compulsion reaches its apex in Christ, whose self-offering satisfies every priestly requirement and secures the believer’s access to God. Practical Implications for the Contemporary Church • Discern divine priorities: align calendars and resources with what Scripture labels necessary. Summary Strong’s 316 weaves through narrative, exhortation, and theology to announce that certain people, actions, and sacrifices are not merely helpful—they are required by the will of God. Recognizing and embracing these necessities safeguards doctrinal fidelity, fuels missionary zeal, and nurtures a healthy, interdependent church. Englishman's Concordance Acts 10:24 Adj-AMPGRK: καὶ τοὺς ἀναγκαίους φίλους NAS: his relatives and close friends. KJV: kinsmen and near friends. INT: and close friends Acts 13:46 Adj-NNS 1 Corinthians 12:22 Adj-NNP 2 Corinthians 9:5 Adj-ANS Philippians 1:24 Adj-NNS-C Philippians 2:25 Adj-ANS Titus 3:14 Adj-AFP Hebrews 8:3 Adj-NNS Strong's Greek 316 |
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