Brief Overview of ἀγγαρεύω (G29: Angareuo)

ἀγγαρεύω (Angareuo):
The Greek word “ἀγγαρεύω” (angareuo) means “to press into service” or “to compel someone to go.” It refers specifically to the act of forcing or requisitioning someone to carry out a task, often under compulsion. This term is found in the New Testament and is used in the context of demanding or enforcing service, often with a sense of authority or obligation.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἀγγαρεύω (Angareuo):

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G29), “ἀγγαρεύω” means “to press into service” or “to compel someone.” Strong’s notes that this term was used to describe the act of forcing someone into service or requiring them to perform a task, often against their will. The term is found in Matthew 5:41, where Jesus refers to being compelled to go a certain distance (e.g., “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain”).

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon defines “ἀγγαρεύω” as “to press into service” or “to compel.” Thayer’s explains that this term was used to describe the practice of requisitioning or forcing individuals to perform tasks, often used in the context of the Roman practice of pressing people into service or carrying burdens (e.g., Matthew 5:41). It carries a connotation of compulsion or obligation.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary describes “ἀγγαρεύω” as meaning “to press into service” or “to force.” Vine’s highlights that this term refers to the practice of compelling individuals to perform tasks, particularly under Roman rule, and is used in the New Testament to reflect the concept of enforced labor or service (e.g., Matthew 5:41).

1. Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: The Louw-Nida Lexicon categorizes “ἀγγαρεύω” as relating to the concept of “pressing into service” or “forcing.” It defines the term as compelling someone to carry out a task, often with a sense of duty or coercion. The lexicon notes its specific use in the context of the Roman system of requisitioning labor (e.g., Matthew 5:41).

1. Moulton-Milligan Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament:

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• Meaning: Moulton-Milligan defines “ἀγγαρεύω” as “to press into service” or “to compel.” The vocabulary emphasizes its use in describing the act of forcing individuals to perform tasks, particularly within the context of Roman practices of conscription or enforced labor (e.g., Matthew 5:41).

Summary:
“ἀγγαρεύω” (angareuo) translates to “to press into service” or “to compel” and describes the act of forcing someone to carry out a task, often under compulsion. Various concordances, including Strong’s, Thayer’s, Vine’s, Louw-Nida, and Moulton-Milligan, emphasize its use in the New Testament to reflect the practice of requisitioning labor or service, particularly under Roman rule. The term conveys a sense of obligation and enforcement rather than voluntary action.