a prolonged form of a primary verb (obsolete except in certain tenses as an alternative of this) of uncertain affinity; to push (as wind, oars or dæmonical power):--carry, drive, row.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐλαύνω (elaúnō, `{{G1643}}`) carries the primary meaning of "to drive," "to push," or "to propel." It fundamentally conveys the idea of imparting motion to something through an external force. Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Physical Propulsion:** This is the most direct sense, referring to the act of causing a physical object to move, such as rowing a boat or a ship being driven by wind. The emphasis is often on the effort or the external power required for movement.
* **Compulsion or Impulsion:** Beyond mere physical movement, ἐλαύνω can denote being compelled or impelled by a force, whether physical or spiritual. This implies a lack of independent will or agency on the part of the object being driven, suggesting a powerful, often irresistible, external influence.
* **Carrying Along:** In certain contexts, it can imply being carried along by a current or force, rather than actively moving oneself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐλαύνω appears sparingly in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are significant, illustrating its core meaning in vivid contexts:
* **[[Mark 6:48]]**: "And seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea." Here, ἐλαύνω (translated as "straining at the oars" or "toiling in rowing") describes the disciples' arduous labor to propel their boat against a strong headwind. The word vividly portrays their physical exertion and the futility of their human strength against natural forces, setting the stage for Jesus' miraculous intervention.
* **[[Luke 8:29]]**: "For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him; and he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert." In this account of the Gerasene demoniac, ἐλαύνω (translated "be driven") powerfully depicts the demon's absolute control over the man. The passive voice emphasizes the man's complete subjugation and lack of personal agency, being forcefully impelled by the demonic entity into desolate places.
* **[[James 3:4]]**: "Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs." Here, ἐλαύνω (translated "driven") illustrates how large ships are propelled by powerful winds. James uses this physical analogy to highlight the disproportionate power of a small rudder to direct a massive vessel, drawing a parallel to the immense influence of the tongue in shaping one's life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἐλαύνω connects it to other words expressing movement, force, and influence:
* **Movement and Propulsion:**
* `{{G5342}}` φέρω (pherō): "to carry," "to bear," often implying movement under the influence of an external force, or simply bringing something from one place to another.
* `{{G943}}` βάλλω (ballō): "to throw," "to cast," can imply forceful propulsion or placement.
* `{{G4311}}` προπέμπω (propempō): "to send forward," "to escort," often with the nuance of assisting in a journey.
* **Force and Compulsion:**
* `{{G315}}` ἀναγκάζω (anankazō): "to compel," "to force," often by necessity or strong pressure.
* `{{G900}}` βιάζω (biazō): "to force," "to do violence," implying powerful, often aggressive, action or compulsion.
* **Demonic Activity:**
* `{{G1544}}` ἐκβάλλω (ekballō): "to cast out," frequently used for the forceful expulsion of demons, highlighting Christ's authority over evil.
What distinguishes ἐλαύνω is its specific focus on the *imparting of motion by an external, often compelling, force*, whether physical (wind, oars) or spiritual (demonic power), frequently emphasizing the *passive reception* of this force by the object being driven.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐλαύνω is found in its portrayal of human vulnerability to forces beyond personal control, and conversely, the profound power of divine or spiritual influence.
* **Human Limitation and Divine Sovereignty:** In the narrative of the disciples on the sea ([[Mark 6:48]]), their strenuous "rowing" (ἐλαύνω) against the wind symbolizes the limits of human effort and strength when confronted by overwhelming natural elements. This scene serves as a powerful backdrop for Jesus' miraculous walking on water and calming of the storm, underscoring His divine sovereignty over creation and His redemptive power to intervene when human strength fails. It is a reminder that ultimate help comes from God.
* **The Oppressive Power of Evil:** The depiction of the demoniac being "driven" (ἐλαύνω) by the unclean spirit into desolate places ([[Luke 8:29]]) profoundly illustrates the dehumanizing and controlling nature of demonic influence. It reveals evil as an active, compelling force that robs individuals of their freedom and dignity. This highlights the urgent need for divine liberation, powerfully demonstrated by Christ's authority to cast out demons and restore individuals to wholeness.
* **The Principle of Influence and Direction:** James' use of ἐλαύνω to describe ships "driven" by strong winds ([[James 3:4]]) serves as a potent analogy for the disproportionate power of seemingly small forces to direct significant outcomes. Theologically, this applies to the immense influence of the tongue in shaping one's life and destiny. It calls believers to a profound awareness of the power of their words and actions, recognizing that even subtle influences can "drive" one's spiritual journey toward righteousness or away from it. This also implicitly points to the Holy Spirit as the divine "driver" or guide in the believer's life, leading them according to God's will.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐλαύνω (elaúnō, `{{G1643}}`) signifies "to drive," "to push," or "to propel" by an external force. Its New Testament usage vividly illustrates physical exertion against natural forces ([[Mark 6:48]]), the oppressive compulsion of demonic power ([[Luke 8:29]]), and the principle of powerful influence in directing a course, as seen in the analogy of ships driven by wind ([[James 3:4]]). Theologically, ἐλαύνω underscores human limitation and vulnerability to forces beyond personal control, highlights the destructive and compelling nature of spiritual evil, and emphasizes the profound impact of seemingly small influences in shaping destiny. Ultimately, these contexts point to the overarching sovereignty of God, who alone can control all forces, offering liberation from oppression and divine guidance for the journey of faith.
TRV