Strong’s G4797: A compound verb meaning “to pour together, confuse, stir up.” From σύν (with) and χέω (to pour). Used in Acts to describe both mental confusion and social upheaval, particularly in response to divine activity or gospel proclamation. Implies thorough mixing leading to bewilderment or disturbance.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγχέω combines the concepts of mixing together and mental confusion, literally meaning “to pour together” but used metaphorically for mental and social confusion. In Acts, it appears in contexts of both positive amazement (at Pentecost) and negative disturbance (riots in Ephesus). The early church saw this word as significant in describing human reactions to divine intervention. Today, it reminds us that God’s work often creates cognitive dissonance and social upheaval as it challenges established patterns.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγχέω, sugcheo, /soong-kheh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – KEH (as in “kept”) – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• χέω (cheo) meaning “to pour”
• Combined meaning: “to pour together, mix up completely”

D – Defining Meanings

• To confuse thoroughly
• To stir up mentally
• To throw into disorder

For compound words:

• σύν intensifies the mixing action
• χέω provides the concept of flowing/pouring
• Combined emphasizes complete confusion

Translation Options:

• “To confound” – Emphasizes mental confusion
• “To stir up” – Stresses social disruption
• “To bewilder” – Highlights psychological impact

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ταράσσω (tarasso) /tar-as’-so/ – to trouble See G5015
• θορυβέω (thorubeo) /thor-oo-beh’-o/ – to disturb See G2350
• ἀναστατόω (anastatoo) /an-as-tat-o’-o/ – to upset See G387

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

Examples:

• Aorist Passive: συνεχύθη (was confused)
• Perfect Passive: συγκέχυμαι (have been confused)
• Present Active: συγχέω (I confuse)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical meanings. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical mixing to mental confusion. LSJ traces its usage in classical Greek for liquid mixing. Vine’s highlights its use in Acts for social disturbance. Strong’s connects it to thorough confusion. LEH notes similar compounds in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in papyri for social disorder.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 2:6: “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded [συγχέω], because that every man heard them speak in his own language.”

Additional References:
Acts 9:22
Acts 19:32
Acts 21:27
Acts 21:31

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγχέω powerfully illustrates how divine intervention often disrupts human understanding and social order. Through this word, we see that the good news of King Jesus creates holy confusion that challenges established patterns and leads to transformation.

D – Did You Know?

• The word originally described mixing liquids before metaphorical usage
• It appears in contexts of both positive amazement and negative upheaval
• Early church writers used it to describe the impact of divine revelation

Strong’s G4797: A compound verb meaning “to pour together, confuse, stir up.” From σύν (with) and χέω (to pour). Used in Acts to describe both mental confusion and social upheaval, particularly in response to divine activity or gospel proclamation. Implies thorough mixing leading to bewilderment or disturbance.

Part of speech: Verb