Strong's g315

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nahg-KAH-zō

Basic Definition

Key Information

ἀναγκάζω

Transliteration: anagkazō Part of Speech: verb First Appears: Matthew 14:22 Appears: 9 times

Strong’s Entry

g315

Gloss: anagkazo (an-ang-kad’-zo) v.1. to necessitate[from G318]KJV: compel, constrain Root(s): G318 

Strong’s G315: ἀναγκάζω (anagkazō) denotes the act of compelling, necessitating, or forcing someone to do something through external pressure or circumstances. It carries the connotation of an urgent necessity or compulsion that drives action, whether through physical force, moral pressure, or circumstantial demands. The word implies an overwhelming external influence that constrains one’s choices or actions.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative)
• Derived from the noun ἀνάγκη (anagkē, G318) meaning necessity or constraint
• Primary usage in narrative and epistolary literature
• Frequent occurrence in contexts of religious obligation and social pressure

ἀναγκάζω Morphology:

• ἀναγκάζω (present active) – I compel/force
• ἀναγκάζεις (present active, 2nd person singular) – you compel
• ἀναγκάζει (present active, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it compels
• ἠνάγκασα (aorist active) – I compelled
• ἀναγκάζομαι (present passive) – I am being compelled
• ἠναγκάσθην (aorist passive) – I was compelled
• ἠναγκασμένος (perfect passive participle) – having been compelled

Origin & History

The word ἀναγκάζω emerged from classical Greek literature where it was commonly used in legal and philosophical contexts. Plato employed it extensively in “The Republic” when discussing the necessity of justice and societal obligations. Thucydides used it in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” to describe military and political compulsion.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀναγκάζω appears in contexts of both divine and human compulsion. Notable usage includes the story of Esther, where the Persian law system created circumstances of necessity (Esther 8:8 LXX), and in 2 Maccabees where it describes religious persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” used ἀναγκάζω when discussing the relationship between divine providence and human free will, emphasizing that God’s love compels response without violating human agency.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• External compulsion through physical force or circumstances
• Moral or legal obligation creating pressure to act
• Divine urgency that prompts but doesn’t override free will
• Necessity arising from duty or commitment

ἀναγκάζω Translation Options:

• “Compel” – Best captures both the force and the urgency inherent in the word
• “Constrain” – Emphasizes the limiting of options rather than direct force
• “Urge strongly” – Useful when the compulsion is more persuasive than coercive
• “Necessitate” – Appropriate when circumstances rather than direct action create the compulsion
• “Press upon” – Reflects the pressure aspect without implying complete force

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀναγκάζω in Matthew 14:22 is particularly significant as it describes Jesus “compelling” His disciples to get into a boat while He dismissed the crowds. This usage reveals that divine compulsion can be an act of protection and guidance rather than mere force.

In the Pauline epistles, the word takes on theological significance in discussions of religious freedom and obligation. Paul uses it to address the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers, particularly regarding circumcision and adherence to Mosaic law.

Key verses include:

• “And immediately He made (ἀναγκάζω) the disciples get into the boat” Matthew 14:22
• “Why do you compel (ἀναγκάζω) the Gentiles to live as Jews?” Galatians 2:14
• “But I compelled (ἀναγκάζω) them to blaspheme” Acts 26:11
• “For Christ’s love compels (ἀναγκάζω) us” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of compulsion was deeply tied to honor-shame dynamics. Being compelled could either bring shame (if forced by an enemy) or honor (if compelled by a superior for a noble purpose). This cultural framework helps explain why the disciples’ being compelled by Jesus carried positive connotations of divine care and authority rather than negative implications of forced submission.

The word also carried significant weight in the context of ancient hospitality customs. The idea of “compelling” guests to stay (as in Luke 24:29) was considered a mark of sincere hospitality rather than an imposition of force.

Theological Significance

ἀναγκάζω presents a fascinating window into the relationship between divine sovereignty and human free will. When used in reference to God’s actions, it reveals how He can strongly influence and guide without violating human agency. The Messiah’s “compelling” of His disciples shows divine authority exercised in love and wisdom.

This word also illuminates the nature of spiritual transformation. Paul’s statement that “Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14) reveals that divine love creates an internal compulsion that moves believers to action while preserving their freedom. It’s not external force but internal transformation that drives genuine spiritual change.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναγκάζω challenges us to examine the various compulsions in our spiritual lives. Are we moved by external religious pressure or by the internal compulsion of Christ’s love? This word reminds us that while God may strongly urge and guide us, He respects our free will and desires our willing response to His love.

The word also encourages us to discern between godly and ungodly forms of compulsion in our lives. When we feel compelled, we should ask: Is this the urgent prompting of the Holy Spirit or mere human pressure? Is this compulsion leading to freedom in the Messiah or bondage to human traditions?

Related Words

• ἀνάγκη (anagkē, ah-nahg-KAY) – necessity, constraint, distress; the root noun from which ἀναγκάζω derives, emphasizing the state of compulsion rather than the act See G318
• βιάζω (biazō, bee-AH-zō) – to force, use force; represents more violent or forceful compulsion See G971
• πείθω (peithō, pay-THO) – to persuade, convince; represents gentle persuasion rather than compulsion See G3982
• δέω (deō, DEH-oh) – to bind, tie; physical restraint rather than moral compulsion See G1210

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀναγκάζω is still used in legal contexts, particularly in phrases relating to “compelling evidence” or “necessary action,” showing the endurance of its core meaning of unavoidable necessity.
• The concept of divine compulsion expressed by ἀναγκάζω finds a fascinating parallel in Hebrew thought through the יצר (yetzer) concept – the idea that God planted within humans both the inclination to good and evil, creating internal compelling forces that influence but don’t determine our choices.
• The word played a crucial role in early Christian martyrdom accounts, where believers were described as being “compelled” (ἀναγκάζω) to sacrifice to pagan gods, highlighting the tension between external force and internal conviction.

Remember This

ἀναγκάζω reveals the delicate balance between divine influence and human freedom, showing how God’s compelling love creates urgent necessity while preserving genuine choice.