Brief Overview of ἐλαύνω (Strong’s G1643: elaunō)

Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for accurate interpretation and deeper insight into the text. One such word is ἐλαύνω (elaunō), a verb that appears in various contexts within the New Testament, primarily associated with movement or driving something forward. This word carries significant weight in both its literal and figurative uses, providing a rich layer of meaning to the passages where it is found. Additionally, ἐλαύνω holds a prominent place in ancient Greek literature, reflecting broader cultural concepts of force, motion, and control. By studying this word, we can gain a better understanding of its implications in both biblical and classical contexts.

Key Information

ἐλαύνω (elaunō) [eh-LOW-noh]

Etymology: The word ἐλαύνω is rooted in classical Greek, where it commonly referred to driving or propelling something forward, whether it be a chariot, a ship, or even a herd of animals. The etymological roots are tied to ancient practices of moving or controlling.
Part of Speech: Verb (first-person singular present indicative). It follows the regular conjugation pattern of Greek verbs in the present active indicative.
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Primary Meanings

To Drive Forward: The primary meaning of ἐλαύνω is to drive or move something forward, often by force or effort. This can refer to driving a vehicle, propelling a ship, or leading animals.
To Set in Motion: In a broader sense, the verb can also imply setting something in motion, initiating movement, or causing an action to begin.
To Compel: Figuratively, ἐλαύνω can also mean to compel or force someone into action, pushing them towards a goal or destination.

Similar Words:

Ἄγω (agō) [AH-go]: While ἄγω also means “to lead” or “to bring,” it typically emphasizes the act of leading or guiding rather than the forceful driving implied by ἐλαύνω.
Φέρω (pherō) [FER-oh]: This verb means “to carry” or “to bear,” focusing more on the act of carrying or bearing a load, whereas ἐλαύνω emphasizes the active driving or pushing forward.

Further Insights:

Morphology: ἐλαύνω is a regular verb in the present active indicative. Below is a brief conjugation chart for the verb in the present indicative active:

Person	Singular	Plural
1st	ἐλαύνω	ἐλαύνομεν
2nd	ἐλαύνεις	ἐλαύνετε
3rd	ἐλαύνει	ἐλαύνουσι

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Usage: The verb ἐλαύνω is often found in contexts involving movement or action, whether it’s the literal driving of animals or vehicles or the figurative pushing or compelling of individuals toward a certain direction or action.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon highlights ἐλαύνω’s use in contexts where movement or propulsion is key. It can refer to driving a vehicle, such as a chariot, or to moving forward with force, as in the context of a ship being driven by the wind.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the verb’s literal and figurative uses, noting that it can describe both physical movement (such as driving a ship) and metaphorical movement (such as compelling someone to act).

Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐλαύνω is frequently used in ancient literature to describe the forceful movement of objects or people. It suggests an element of control or direction, often implying effort or exertion.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces ἐλαύνω’s use in classical Greek literature, where it appears in various contexts, from military commands to descriptions of natural forces driving ships or herds.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the occurrences of ἐλαύνω in the New Testament, particularly in narratives where movement, journey, or action is emphasized.

Scripture References

Acts 27:15 – “And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven (ἐλαύνω) along.” — Here, ἐλαύνω is used to describe the action of a ship being driven by the wind, highlighting the forceful nature of the movement.
John 6:19 – “When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened (ἐλαύνω).” — In this passage, ἐλαύνω is used metaphorically to express the disciples’ compulsion or driving force towards fear.

Classical Usage

Author	Work	English Text
Homer	Iliad	“The charioteer drove (ἐλαύνω) his horses forward with great force.”
Herodotus	Histories	“They drove (ἐλαύνω) the ships onward, propelled by the strength of the oarsmen.”
Xenophon	Anabasis	“He compelled (ἐλαύνω) the soldiers to march through the night, driving them forward despite their weariness.”

Summary of ἐλαύνω (G1643: elaunō)

The Greek verb ἐλαύνω, meaning “to drive forward” or “to propel,” is a significant term in the New Testament, particularly in contexts involving movement, force, or compulsion. This word is often used to describe literal actions, such as driving a vehicle or propelling a ship, as well as figurative actions, such as compelling someone to act. Understanding ἐλαύνω enriches the study of biblical texts by providing insight into the dynamic and forceful nature of certain actions and movements within the narrative.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐλαύνω is closely associated with the idea of forceful movement in ancient Greek literature? The verb was often used in military contexts to describe the driving forward of troops or the propulsion of ships, highlighting the exertion and effort required to achieve such actions. This sense of dynamic motion is preserved in its New Testament usage, where it often conveys the idea of being driven or compelled by an external force.