Lexical Summary anagkastós: Compelled, forced Original Word: ἀναγκαστός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance by constraint. Adverb from a derivative of anagkazo; compulsorily -- by constraint. see GREEK anagkazo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 317 anagkastṓs (an adverb) – of necessity, i.e. by compulsion because required (obligatory). See 318 (anagkē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from anagkastos (forced, constrained) Definition necessarily NASB Translation under compulsion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 317: ἀναγκαστῶςἀναγκαστῶς, adverb, by force or constraint; opposed to ἑκουσίως, 1 Peter 5:2. (Plato, Ax., p. 366 a.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance The adverb ἀναγκαστῶς expresses an action carried out from external pressure, constraint, or a sense of unavoidable obligation. It portrays conduct that is reluctant rather than voluntary, driven by necessity rather than willing desire. Occurrence in Scripture The word appears once in the Greek New Testament, at 1 Peter 5:2. Context in 1 Peter 5:2 Peter exhorts elders: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them, not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness” (1 Peter 5:2). By pairing ἀναγκαστῶς (“out of compulsion”) with “but willingly,” the apostle contrasts coerced service with wholehearted, God-pleasing ministry. The term therefore guards the pastoral office from becoming a mere duty performed under duress. Relation to the Theme of Shepherding Scripture portrays shepherding as a voluntary, sacrificial calling modeled after the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). The prohibition against serving ἀναγκαστῶς echoes Jesus’ description of the hired hand who cares only for wages and abandons the flock when danger comes (John 10:12-13). True shepherds, like the Good Shepherd, lay down their lives willingly (John 10:11). Theological Implications 1. Freedom in Service: Genuine Christian ministry flows from a heart transformed by grace, not from external legalism (Galatians 5:13). Historical Reception in Christian Thought Early writers such as Clement of Rome and Ignatius echoed Peter’s warning, urging leaders to serve willingly and exemplify humility. The Reformers applied the verse to oppose compulsory clerical celibacy and simony, insisting that pastoral duties be embraced joyfully for the edification of the church. Contemporary evangelical commentators continue to cite 1 Peter 5:2 as a safeguard against authoritarian or career-driven ministry models. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Elder Selection: Congregations should look for candidates who desire the work (1 Timothy 3:1) rather than those pressured into it. Connections to Larger Biblical Themes • Giving: Just as leaders must shepherd willingly, believers give “not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Summary ἀναγκαστῶς warns against coerced, duty-bound ministry. In its single New Testament appearance, it frames pastoral leadership as a voluntary, eager service patterned after Christ. The term underscores the priority of motive in all Christian obedience, calling every believer—especially those who shepherd God’s people—to act from willing devotion rather than compulsion. Forms and Transliterations αναγκαστως αναγκαστώς ἀναγκαστῶς anankastos anankastôs anankastōs anankastō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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