G3792

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb ὀχλοποιέω (ochlopeo) means “to create a crowd” or “to produce a tumult.” It is derived from two components: ochlos, meaning “crowd” or “multitude,” and the verb poieo, which means “to make” or “to do.” This word encapsulates the action of causing a gathering or disturbance among people, often in a public or social context. In Acts 17:5, the term is used to describe the actions of certain individuals who incited a crowd against Paul and Silas, illustrating the often tumultuous social dynamics surrounding the early Christian community. The significance of this word lies in its portrayal of collective human behavior and the potential chaos that can arise from a gathering of people.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀχλοποιέω (ochlopeo), pronounced [okh-lo-pee-EH-oh].

Etymology: The word is a compound of ochlos (ὄχλος), which denotes a crowd or multitude, and poieo (ποιέω), meaning to create or to make. The combination reflects both the formation of a crowd and the actions that lead to its gathering.

Part of Speech: Verb; it is typically conjugated to express different grammatical moods and tenses, mainly focusing on active voice.

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

Defining Meanings

Primary Meaning: To create a crowd, implying the action of assembling people together, often in a spontaneous manner.

Secondary Meaning: To incite or provoke a gathering that can lead to disorder or disturbance, reflecting the potential for social unrest.

Tertiary Meaning: To gather people for a particular purpose, which can range from peaceful assembly to more chaotic congregations.

Exploring Similar Words

συναγωγή (synagoge) [soon-ah-go-GHEE]: This term means “gathering” or “assembly,” often in a religious context. While it can also refer to a crowd, it emphasizes the organized aspect of gathering, contrasting with the sometimes chaotic connotation of ὀχλοποιέω.

ὄχλος (ochlos) [OKH-los]: This noun signifies a crowd or multitude. While ὄχλος denotes the crowd itself, ὀχλοποιέω refers to the action of creating or provoking such a crowd.

κατασκοπέω (kataskopeo) [kat-as-KOH-pay-oh]: Meaning “to spy out” or “to observe,” this verb is distinct in its focus on watching rather than assembling people. It highlights the differences in intention and action compared to ὀχλοποιέω.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: ὀχλοποιέω can be used in various tenses, primarily present and aorist, in active voice. The verb is generally used in indicative mood to express factual statements about crowds.

• Person and Number: The verb is conjugated for different persons and numbers, such as:

• 1st person singular: ὀχλοποιῶ (I create a crowd)

• 3rd person plural: ὀχλοποιῶσι (they create a crowd)

• Aspect: The verb conveys an imperfective aspect when describing ongoing actions, highlighting the process of crowd creation.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various Greek lexicons, ὀχλοποιέω is explored in the context of the early church and its interactions with society. It captures the often volatile nature of public gatherings during a time when the message of Christianity was both revolutionary and controversial. The term is particularly noted for its implications in situations where crowds formed, sometimes leading to conflict or disturbances, reflecting the societal tensions of the time.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Acts 17:5: “But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd [ὄχλοποιέω], set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason.”

Luke 8:29: “For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.”

Matthew 27:20: “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes [ὄχλος] that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ὀχλοποιέω appears in contexts depicting public gatherings and social unrest.

Example 1: Aristophanes, The Clouds: “As the multitude [ὄχλος] gathers, the air is filled with the noise of their thoughts and intentions.”

Example 2: Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War: “The assembly of people [ὄχλος] led to discussions that stirred both passion and conflict.”

Example 3: Xenophon, Anabasis: “The troops, stirred by their leader, moved as a crowd [ὄχλος], their purpose unified in the chaos.”

Septuagint Example 1: Exodus 32:1: “Now when the people [ὄχλος] saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him…”

Septuagint Example 2: Jeremiah 21:13: “Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, says the LORD; you who say, ‘Who shall come down against us? Or who shall enter our dwellings?’”

Septuagint Example 3: Isaiah 13:4: “The noise of a multitude [ὄχλος] in the mountains, like that of many people! The noise of the uproar of kingdoms, of nations gathered together…”

Noteworthy Summary

The term ὀχλοποιέω serves as an important verb in the Greek language, particularly within the New Testament context. It captures the act of crowding and the dynamics of public assembly, providing insights into the social fabric of the time.

Did You Know?

1. The phenomenon of crowd formation has been a subject of study in social psychology, linking the behavior of individuals in groups to larger societal movements.

2. ὀχλοποιέω reflects the tension in early Christian narratives, where gatherings often led to both support for and opposition against the apostles.

3. In modern usage, terms derived from ochlos have made their way into English to describe gatherings and social movements, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of this concept.

Strong’s G3792: ὀχλοποιέω (ochlopeo) highlights the dynamic and sometimes chaotic nature of crowd gatherings in historical and biblical contexts, reflecting the collective actions and emotions of people.