Brief Overview of σύγχυσις (Strong’s G4799: synchysis)

Strong’s G4799: A feminine noun derived from συγχέω (syngcheō), meaning confusion, disturbance, or uproar. In its New Testament context, particularly in Acts, it refers to a tumultuous public disturbance or confusion, emphasizing the chaotic nature of mass public disorder and civil unrest.

U – Unveiling the Word

Σύγχυσις (synchysis) carries deep significance in its portrayal of societal disorder and confusion. The word paints a vivid picture of complete chaos and upheaval, going beyond mere disagreement to describe a state where normal order has broken down. In Acts 19:29, it captures the scene in Ephesus where the entire city erupted in confusion due to opposition to the gospel. This term’s theological significance extends beyond mere description – it often contrasts with the peace and order that the gospel brings. Early church fathers used this word to highlight how the Messiah’s message brings clarity amidst worldly confusion. Today, it reminds us how the gospel can bring divine order to chaos in our lives and societies.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύγχυσις, synchysis, /sýŋ-khoo-sis/
• Pronunciation: SING-khoo-sis (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• χέω (cheō): root verb meaning “to pour”
• -σις (-sis): suffix forming abstract nouns from verbs
  The combination creates the idea of “pouring together,” leading to confusion or disorder.

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Confusion or disorder in a crowd
2. Civil disturbance or tumult
3. State of bewilderment or perplexity

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates the coming together or mixing
• χέω (cheō): suggests pouring or flowing
• -σις (-sis): transforms the action into an abstract concept
  Together they create the image of things being poured together chaotically

Translation Options:

1. “Confusion” – Best captures the mental state and social disorder
2. “Tumult” – Emphasizes the physical manifestation of disorder
3. “Uproar” – Highlights the audible and visible aspects of public disorder

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θόρυβος (thorybos) /THO-ree-bos/ – focuses more on noise and clamor. See G2351
• ἀκαταστασία (akatastasia) /a-ka-ta-sta-SEE-a/ – emphasizes instability and disorder. See G181
• ταραχή (tarache) /ta-ra-KHAY/ – describes disturbance or agitation. See G5016

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σύγχυσις (synchysis)
• Genitive: συγχύσεως (synchyseōs)
• Dative: συγχύσει (synchysei)
• Accusative: σύγχυσιν (synchysin)

Cross-references:

• Verbal form: συγχέω (syncheō)
• Adjective form: σύγχυτος (synchytos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines σύγχυσις primarily as confusion or disruption in a social setting. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to public tumult. LSJ provides broader classical usage including mixing or blending. Vine’s notes its single New Testament occurrence specifically relating to civil disorder. Strong’s connects it to the concept of pouring together or commixture. LEH adds Septuagint usage relating to confusion of languages. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in describing social upheaval in the Hellenistic world.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 19:29 “So the city was filled with the [confusion] {σύγχυσις}, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions in travel.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon (occurring only once in the New Testament), Acts 19:29 is its sole appearance.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σύγχυσις powerfully captures the chaos that can erupt when the gospel confronts established systems and beliefs. In Ephesus, this confusion arose from the threat to pagan worship, showing how the truth of King Jesus often disrupts worldly order. Yet this very disruption often precedes spiritual awakening. The gospel brings a different kind of order – not the false peace of idolatry, but the true peace of the Messiah that surpasses understanding.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears over 30 times in various forms in ancient Greek medical texts, describing the mixing of bodily humors.
2. It shares its root with the word used in the Septuagint to describe the confusion of languages at Babel.
3. Early church fathers used this term to describe the state of the human soul before encountering the gospel.

Strong’s G4799: A feminine noun derived from συγχέω (syngcheō), meaning confusion, disturbance, or uproar. In its New Testament context, particularly in Acts, it refers to a tumultuous public disturbance or confusion, emphasizing the chaotic nature of mass public disorder and civil unrest.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: confusion, chaos, disorder, tumult, civil-unrest, public-disorder, acts, ephesus, riot, social-disruption, gospel-impact, cultural-clash​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​