ὁρμάω

I rush

Definition

The verb ὁρμάω means to rush, move impetuously, or be set in motion with force and urgency. In its New Testament occurrences, it describes both physical and metaphorical rushing. For example, in the Gospels (Matthew 8:32, Mark 5:13, Luke 8:33), it depicts the violent, headlong rush of the demon-possessed swine into the sea. In Acts, it describes a sudden, aggressive mob action—the crowd rushing together against Stephen (Acts 7:57) and the uproar in Ephesus where people rushed into the theater (Acts 19:29).

Biblical Usage

ὁρμάω is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts. In the Gospels, its usage is consistent, describing the uncontrolled, destructive charge of the demonized herd of pigs. In Acts, it shifts to describe the impulsive, collective violence of enraged crowds, highlighting social and religious tumult. The word consistently conveys a sense of uncontrolled, forceful momentum, whether of animals or people.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root ὁρμ- (horm-), meaning 'impulse' or 'onset.' It is related to ὁρμή (hormē, G3730), a noun meaning 'a rush' or 'violent impulse.' The verb conveys the idea of being set in motion from a state of rest, often with a connotation of suddenness and force, reflecting its root sense of a strong impetus.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly illustrates the power of destructive spiritual forces and the volatility of human sin and mob mentality. In the Gospel accounts, the rushing of the swine demonstrates the devastating outcome of demonic influence and Jesus' authoritative command over it. In Acts, the rushing crowds against Stephen and in Ephesus underscore the violent opposition faced by the early church, contrasting human fury with divine purpose and martyrdom. Understanding this forceful 'rushing' enriches the reading by highlighting the conflict between chaotic evil or persecution and God's sovereign plan.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of a sudden, collective rush (ὁρμή) was associated with uncontrollable natural forces or mob behavior, often viewed as irrational and dangerous. The action of the swine would have been seen as a bizarre and terrifying omen. The mob scenes in Acts reflect the real political and social instability of urban centers, where public assemblies could quickly turn into violent riots. This differs from a modern, more controlled understanding of crowd movement.

τρέχω (trechō, G5143) — to run, typically for a purpose or in a race, less violent and impulsive. φέρω (pherō, G5342) — to bear or carry, implies being moved or led, not a self-propelled rush. ἐπισυντρέχω (episyntrechō, G1998) — to run together, emphasizes the gathering aspect of a crowd.

Word Details

Scripture References