Greek · G318 · unreviewed

ἀνάγκη

Constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

ἀνάγκη G318
Pronunciation anánkē

What does ἀνάγκη (anánkē) mean in the Bible?

ἀνάγκη (anánkē) is a Greek word meaning "constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress". ἀνάγκη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for מָצוֹק, צַר ;] __1.

Full entry for ἀνάγκη (G318) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
Extended definition

Necessity imposed by circumstance or force, not mere preference or desire

1necessity: ἔχειν ἀ-, with inf., to be compelled, Luk.14:18 23:17 (Rec., R, mg.), 1Co.7:37, Ju 3, Heb.7:27; ἐξ ἀ., κατ᾽ ἀ., of necessity, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12, Phm 14; ἀ. μοι ἐπίκειται, n. is laid on me, 1Co.9:16; with inf. (= ἀναγκαῖον ἐστι), Mat.18:7, Rom.13:5, Heb.9:16, 23
2force, violence, hence pain, distress (Diod., al.; LXX; see M, Th., 41; MM, VGT, see word; cf. θλίψις): Luk.21:23, 1Co.7:26, 1Th.3:7; pl. (see B1., § 32, 6; Swete, Mk., 153), ἐν ἀ., 2Co.6:4 12:10.
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Grammatical Forms

How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.

Nominative · Singular · Feminine Matt 18:7 · Luke 21:23 · Rom 13:5 · 1 Cor 9:16 · Heb 9:16 · Heb 9:23
Genitive · Singular · Feminine 2 Cor 9:7 · Heb 7:12
Dative · Plural · Feminine 2 Cor 6:4 · 2 Cor 12:10
Dative · Singular · Feminine 1 Thess 3:7
Accusative · Singular · Feminine Luke 14:18 · 1 Cor 7:26 · 1 Cor 7:37 · Phlm 1:14 · Heb 7:27 · Jude 1:3
Biblical Occurrences
Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources