Strong’s G4787: A compound verb meaning “to stir up together, excite together, move to action as a group.” From σύν (with) and κινέω (to move). Used in Acts to describe collective agitation against Stephen, highlighting the power of mob mentality in opposition to the gospel.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκινέω primarily denotes collective movement or agitation, particularly in the context of stirring up crowds. In its New Testament appearance, it describes the orchestrated opposition to Stephen’s ministry, showing how religious leaders manipulated public sentiment. The early church recognized this word as emblematic of organized resistance to the gospel message. Today, it serves as a reminder of how truth often faces coordinated opposition and how mob mentality can be weaponized against God’s people.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκινέω, sugkineo, /soong-kin-eh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – kin (as in “kin”) – EH – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κινέω (kineo) meaning “to move, set in motion”
• Combined meaning: “to move together, stir up collectively”

D – Defining Meanings

• To stir up together
• To excite as a group
• To agitate collectively

For compound words:

• σύν indicates joint action
• κινέω provides the concept of movement
• Combined emphasizes coordinated agitation

Translation Options:

• “To stir up together” – Emphasizes collective action
• “To agitate as one” – Highlights unified movement
• “To incite collectively” – Stresses organized instigation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀναστατόω (anastatoo) /an-as-tat-o’-o/ – to stir up, excite See G387
• ταράσσω (tarasso) /tar-as’-so/ – to trouble, disturb See G5015
• παροξύνω (paroxuno) /par-ox-oo’-no/ – to provoke See G3947

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples:

• Aorist Active: συνεκίνησαν (they stirred up together)
• Present Active: συγκινοῦσι (they are stirring up)
• Perfect Active: συγκεκίνηκα (I have stirred up)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of organized opposition. Thayer’s notes its connection to mob action. LSJ traces its usage in political contexts. Vine’s highlights its single New Testament occurrence. Strong’s connects it to collective movement. LEH notes similar compounds in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in describing public disturbances.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 6:12: “And they stirred up [συγκινέω] the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκινέω powerfully illustrates how opposition to the gospel often manifests through organized resistance. Yet through Stephen’s example, we see that the good news of King Jesus prevails even in the face of collective hostility, reminding us that God’s truth stands firm against mob opposition.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in political contexts for mob incitement
• It appears in ancient accounts of organized resistance movements
• Early church writers used it to describe systematic persecution

Strong’s G4787: A compound verb meaning “to stir up together, excite together, move to action as a group.” From σύν (with) and κινέω (to move). Used in Acts to describe collective agitation against Stephen, highlighting the power of mob mentality in opposition to the gospel.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: persecution, opposition, mob-action, stephen, acts, resistance, public-disturbance, collective-action, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, early-church, martyrdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​