συγχέω
I bewilder, stir up
Definition
The verb συγχέω means to stir up, confuse, or throw into disorder. In the New Testament, it primarily describes causing a state of public commotion or mental confusion. In Acts 2:6, it describes the 'bewilderment' of the crowd hearing the disciples speak in various languages at Pentecost. Elsewhere, it refers to stirring up a mob or inciting a riot, as seen when Paul's presence causes an uproar in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27) and in the riot of the Ephesian silversmiths (Acts 19:32).
Biblical Usage
This verb is used exclusively in the book of Acts, always in narrative accounts of public disturbances or confusion. It appears in two main contexts: describing the mental confusion of a crowd (Acts 2:6, 9:22) and describing the active incitement of a physical riot or uproar (Acts 19:32, 21:27, 21:31). The pattern shows it is a key term Luke uses for the social turmoil surrounding the spread of the gospel.
Etymology
From the Greek prefix σύν (syn, meaning 'together') and the verb χέω (cheō, meaning 'I pour'). Literally, it means 'to pour together' or 'to mix up,' which vividly illustrates the concept of creating confusion or disorder from separate elements.
Semantic Range
This word highlights a recurring theme in Acts: the gospel message often provokes social and spiritual disruption as it challenges established orders. The confusion at Pentecost (Acts 2:6) precedes understanding and conversion, showing how God can use disorientation to prepare hearts. The riots it describes underscore the cost of discipleship and the powerful, confrontational nature of the truth.
In the Greco-Roman world, public order was a paramount civic value. Accusations of 'stirring up' crowds (Acts 24:5 uses a related term) were serious charges of sedition. The use of συγχέω to describe the apostles' impact frames the Christian movement as a profoundly disruptive force within the ordered structure of the Roman Empire.
ταράσσω (tarassō, G5015) — more often internal agitation or trouble; θορυβέω (thorubeō, G2350) — to make a noise or tumult, often less intense.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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