συνελαύνω

I compel, urge

Definition

The verb συνελαύνω means to compel, urge, or drive together. It carries the sense of forcefully bringing people or elements into a unified action or position, often through persuasion or authoritative pressure. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 7:26, it describes Moses attempting to reconcile two fighting Israelites by compelling them to peace. The prefix 'σύν' (with/together) intensifies the root verb, emphasizing a collective or unifying force behind the compulsion.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Stephen's speech in Acts 7:26. Here, it describes Moses's intervention in a conflict: 'And the next day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, “Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?”' (Acts 7:26). The usage is in a narrative context of attempted conflict resolution and moral urging, portraying an authoritative figure compelling parties toward reconciliation.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' combined with the verb ἐλαύνω (elaunō), which means 'to drive,' 'to urge on,' or 'to set in motion.' The compound thus literally means 'to drive together.' Cognates and related words include ἐλαύνω itself, which is used in contexts like driving ships (James 3:4) or being driven by the wind (2 Peter 2:17), emphasizing directed force or motion.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word offers insight into biblical concepts of reconciliation, peacemaking, and prophetic authority. Moses's act of 'compelling to peace' prefigures the ministry of Christ, the ultimate reconciler (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). It illustrates how godly leadership involves actively and authoritatively urging people toward unity and righteousness, a theme continued in the New Testament exhortations to pursue peace (Hebrews 12:14, Matthew 5:9). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Acts 7 by highlighting the intentional, forceful effort required in true reconciliation.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of compelling or driving people was common in military, political, and philosophical contexts, where leaders or teachers would 'drive' their followers toward a goal. Moses's role as a reconciler aligns with Jewish expectations of a leader who judges and makes peace (as seen in Exodus 2). The term implies an authoritative intervention, differing from modern softer notions of mediation, as it involves moral urgency and a call to collective action based on shared identity ('you are brothers').

ἀναγκάζω (anankazō, G315) — to compel or constrain, often by external necessity or force. παρακαλέω (parakaleō, G3870) — to exhort, encourage, or comfort, with a stronger emphasis on persuasion and appeal. εἰρηνεύω (eirēneuō, G1514) — to keep peace or be at peace, focusing on the state of peace rather than the act of compelling toward it.

Word Details

Scripture References