### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κινδυνεύω (kindyneúō, `{{G2793}}`) is derived directly from the noun κίνδυνος (kindynos, `{{G2794}}`), meaning "danger," "peril," or "risk." As a verb, κινδυνεύω signifies "to be in danger," "to be imperiled," "to face risk," or "to be in jeopardy." Its semantic range encompasses the state of being exposed to harm, loss, or death. It describes the condition of undergoing peril, often implying an external force or circumstance that places one in a precarious situation. The danger can manifest in various forms, including physical threats, economic instability, social repercussions, or even existential and spiritual crises, depending on the specific context. The word primarily focuses on the *experience* of being subjected to danger rather than the act of causing it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κινδυνεύω appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating different facets of peril:
1. **[[Luke 8:23]]**: "And as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and *were in jeopardy*." Here, the disciples face immediate and life-threatening physical danger from a severe storm. The use of ἐκινδύνευον (ekindyneuon, imperfect active indicative) emphasizes their ongoing state of being imperiled, highlighting human vulnerability in the face of overwhelming natural forces and setting the stage for Christ's authoritative intervention.
2. **[[Acts 19:27]]**: "So that not only this our craft *is in danger* to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." In Ephesus, Demetrius, a silversmith, uses κινδυνεύει (kindyneuei, present active indicative) to describe the economic and reputational threat posed to his trade and the cult of Artemis by Paul's preaching. This demonstrates the word's application to dangers beyond physical harm, encompassing threats to livelihood and religious/cultural structures.
3. **[[Acts 19:40]]**: "For we *are in danger* to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse." The town clerk addresses the Ephesian crowd, expressing concern that they κινδυνεύομεν (kindyneuomen, present active indicative) – "are in danger" – of legal and social repercussions for the riotous assembly. This usage underscores the word's relevance to civic and judicial peril, highlighting the potential for accountability and punishment.
4. **[[1 Corinthians 15:30]]**: "And why stand we *in jeopardy* every hour?" This is perhaps the most profound theological use of κινδυνεύω. Paul employs κινδυνεύομεν (kindyneuomen, present active indicative) to describe the constant, pervasive danger he and his fellow apostles face in their ministry. This peril is not accidental but seems to be an inherent aspect of proclaiming the gospel, encompassing persecutions, physical threats, and opposition. Paul's rhetorical question links his perpetual state of danger directly to the truth of the resurrection; without the hope of resurrection, his willingness to endure such peril would be irrational and meaningless.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun, κίνδυνος (kindynos, `{{G2794}}`), from which κινδυνεύω is derived. Other conceptually related terms include:
* **Suffering and Affliction:** θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`), meaning "tribulation" or "affliction," often arises from situations of danger. Similarly, words derived from πάσχω (pascho, `{{G3958}}`), meaning "to suffer," relate to the experience of enduring hardship that often accompanies peril.
* **Fear and Anxiety:** φόβος (phobos, `{{G5401}}`), "fear," and ἀγωνία (agonia, `{{G74}}`), "agony" or "struggle," are common human responses to being in danger.
* **Persecution:** διωγμός (diōgmos, `{{G1375}}`), "persecution," frequently places believers in a state of κινδυνεύω, as seen in Paul's life.
* **Trials and Temptations:** πειρασμός (peirasmos, `{{G3986}}`), "trial" or "temptation," can sometimes describe circumstances that put one in spiritual or moral jeopardy.
* **Antonyms:** Concepts of safety, security, and peace (e.g., ἀσφάλεια, asphaleia, `{{G803}}`; εἰρήνη, eirene, `{{G1515}}`) stand in stark contrast to the state of κινδυνεύω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κινδυνεύω is multifaceted:
1. **Human Vulnerability and Divine Sovereignty:** The account in [[Luke 8:23]] underscores humanity's inherent fragility in the face of creation's power. Yet, it simultaneously highlights Christ's ultimate authority over nature, demonstrating that even in the gravest danger, divine power can bring deliverance. This narrative invites trust in God's sovereignty amidst life's perils.
2. **The Cost of Discipleship and Apostolic Ministry:** Paul's poignant use in [[1 Corinthians 15:30]] elevates κινδυνεύω from a mere description of physical threat to a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian service. For Paul, constant peril is not an unfortunate side effect but an expected, almost integral, part of proclaiming the gospel. It reveals the radical commitment required of those who bear witness to Christ, particularly in a hostile world. This implies that faithfulness to Christ often involves significant personal risk and opposition.
3. **Resurrection Hope as Justification for Peril:** Crucially, Paul's willingness to "stand in jeopardy every hour" is directly linked to the reality of the resurrection. If Christ has not been raised, then his life of constant danger is utterly foolish and without ultimate purpose. The resurrection provides the eschatological hope and the ultimate justification for enduring such profound earthly peril, transforming suffering and risk into meaningful participation in Christ's redemptive work. This demonstrates that for the believer, facing danger is not an act of despair but an act of faith grounded in the power of God's future.
4. **God's Preservation Amidst Danger:** While the term describes the state of being in danger, biblical narratives frequently show God's providential care *through* such dangers, not always *from* them. This reinforces themes of divine protection, endurance, and the sustaining grace of God, allowing believers to persevere even when imperiled.
### Summary
The Greek verb κινδυνεύω (kindyneúō, `{{G2793}}`) denotes the state of "being in danger," "imperiled," or "in jeopardy." Derived from the noun κίνδυνος (kindynos, `{{G2794}}`), it describes exposure to various forms of risk—physical, economic, social, or existential. Its New Testament occurrences illustrate this breadth: the disciples face physical peril in [[Luke 8:23]]; economic and legal threats loom in [[Acts 19:27]] and [[Acts 19:40]]. Most profoundly, [[1 Corinthians 15:30]] reveals Paul's constant state of "being in jeopardy" as an intrinsic aspect of his apostolic ministry. Theologically, κινδυνεύω highlights human vulnerability, underscores the inherent cost and sacrifice demanded by faithful discipleship, and, crucially, demonstrates how the resurrection of Christ provides the ultimate justification and empowerment for enduring such profound and persistent danger for the sake of the gospel. It speaks to a life lived in constant reliance on God's sovereignty and the hope of eternal life.
TRV