G3793

Unveiling the Word

The Greek noun ὄχλος (ochlos) translates to “crowd” or “multitude” in English, referring to a large group of people gathered together, often in a somewhat disorganized or tumultuous manner. Its primary meaning emphasizes the collective nature of individuals, which can lead to both positive gatherings (like festivals) and negative scenarios (like riots or mob mentality). The term appears in significant passages throughout the New Testament, including Matthew 4:25, where it illustrates the large number of people following Jesus during His ministry. Understanding the nuances of ὄχλος allows us to grasp the social dynamics of the biblical narrative and the impact of public gatherings on the events depicted in the Scriptures.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὄχλος (ochlos), pronounced [okh-los].

Etymology: The root of ὄχλος is uncertain, but it is believed to derive from a proto-Greek term that denotes a collective grouping. Its usage in ancient texts often conveys a sense of disorder or unstructured assembly, linking it to the social interactions of crowds.

Part of Speech: Noun; it is used primarily in the nominative case to denote the subject of a sentence, but can also appear in genitive, dative, and accusative cases depending on its grammatical role.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Primary Meaning: A large group of people gathered in one place, often implying a degree of disorganization or unpredictability.

Secondary Meaning: A multitude that can signify a more chaotic gathering, such as a mob or a riot, indicating social unrest or upheaval.

Tertiary Meaning: The term can also reflect a general gathering of individuals, either for a communal purpose or as a spontaneous assembly without a specific agenda.

Exploring Similar Words

πλῆθος (plethos) [PLAY-thos]: This term means “fullness” or “great number.” While both terms refer to groups, πλῆθος emphasizes the quantity of individuals without the connotation of chaos present in ὄχλος.

συναγωγή (synagoge) [soon-ah-go-GHEE]: Translated as “gathering” or “assembly,” it often refers to a more organized form of crowd, such as a synagogue. This word implies a structure and purpose, contrasting with the often spontaneous nature of ὄχλος.

ὄχλος (ochlos) [OKH-los]: While this is the same term, it can be analyzed in different contexts where it may serve to depict various types of crowds, from peaceful gatherings to agitated mobs.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

• Case, Number, Gender: ὄχλος is a masculine noun. It can appear in various cases:

• Nominative: ὄχλος (subject of the sentence)

• Genitive: ὄχλου (indicating possession, “of the crowd”)

• Dative: ὄχλω (to or for the crowd)

• Accusative: ὄχλον (direct object)

• Declension: ὄχλος belongs to the second declension in Greek, which typically includes masculine nouns.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In examining the insights from various lexicons, ὄχλος is portrayed as a significant term within the context of social behavior in the New Testament. It is associated with both the followers of Jesus and the opposition He faced from the religious leaders and other societal groups. The implications of crowds in biblical narratives often reflect the tensions present in first-century Judea, where collective actions could lead to both support for and opposition against emerging movements, especially the early Christian community. This duality of crowd dynamics showcases the importance of understanding ὄχλος within its cultural and historical framework.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 4:25: “Great multitudes [ὄχλος] followed Him from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.”

Mark 3:7: “But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude [ὄχλος] from Galilee followed Him.”

Luke 8:4: “And when a great multitude [ὄχλος] had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ὄχλος is used to discuss various forms of assemblies and the implications of large groups on societal order.

Example 1: Plato, The Republic: “The multitude [ὄχλος] gathered in the forum to debate the laws of the land.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Politics: “The behavior of the crowd [ὄχλος] often diverges from that of individuals in isolation.”

Example 3: Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War: “As the crowd [ὄχλος] surged, so did the chaos of conflict among the factions.”

Septuagint Example 1: Exodus 32:1: “When the people [ὄχλος] saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, they gathered together to Aaron…”

Septuagint Example 2: Isaiah 28:2: “Behold, the Lord has a mighty and strong one, like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, like a flood of mighty waters overflowing, who will bring them down to the earth with His hand.”

Septuagint Example 3: Jeremiah 25:34: “Wail, you shepherds, and cry! And wallow in the ashes, you leaders of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and your dispersions are fulfilled…”

Noteworthy Summary

ὄχλος is a crucial term that encompasses the social dynamics of gatherings in ancient Greek society, particularly in biblical contexts. Its implications range from organized assemblies to chaotic gatherings, reflecting the multifaceted role of crowds in shaping historical events and social interactions.

Did You Know?

1. The concept of crowd dynamics has evolved into a field of study in modern psychology and sociology, examining how group behavior influences individual actions.

2. ὄχλος often highlights the tensions between the emerging Christian community and established religious authorities, showcasing the struggles of early believers.

3. This term is frequently used in the Gospels to depict both the support Jesus received and the opposition He faced, illustrating the polarized views of His ministry.

Strong’s G3793: ὄχλος (ochlos) captures the essence of collective human behavior in the ancient world, revealing the power and unpredictability of crowds throughout history.