### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anankázō**, represented by `{{G315}}`, means "to necessitate:--compel, constrain." Derived from ἀνάγκη, it conveys a sense of necessity or force. It appears **9 times** in **9 unique verses**, illustrating various forms of compulsion, from divine commands and circumstantial pressure to social coercion and outright persecution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G315}}` is used to describe actions driven by a powerful external force. Jesus **constrained** His disciples to get into a ship, indicating a firm, authoritative directive ([[Matthew 14:22]]; [[Mark 6:45]]). In a parable, a lord commands his servant to **compel** people to come to his feast, ensuring his house is full [[Luke 14:23]]. The word also depicts negative pressure, as when Paul confronted Peter for **compelling** Gentiles to adopt Jewish customs [[Galatians 2:14]]. In his testimony, Paul recounts how he formerly **compelled** believers to blaspheme as part of his persecution of the church [[Acts 26:11]]. The term can also signify a necessity arising from circumstances, as when Paul was **constrained** to appeal to Caesar [[Acts 28:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which compulsion occurs:
* `{{G1377}}` **diṓkō** (to pursue, persecute): This is often linked to `{{G315}}` in contexts of persecution. Paul **compelled** believers to blaspheme while he **persecuted** them [[Acts 26:11]], and Judaizers **constrained** others to be circumcised to avoid **persecution** themselves [[Galatians 6:12]].
* `{{G1684}}` **embaínō** (to embark): This word specifies the action Jesus **constrained** His disciples to take, which was to **get into** a ship ([[Matthew 14:22]]; [[Mark 6:45]]).
* `{{G1941}}` **epikaléomai** (to invoke, appeal): Paul’s feeling of being **constrained** led him to **appeal** unto Caesar, highlighting a compulsion toward a specific legal action [[Acts 28:19]].
* `{{G4059}}` **peritémnō** (to circumcise): This word is central to the disputes where `{{G315}}` is used. Judaizers **constrained** believers to **be circumcised** [[Galatians 6:12]], but Titus was notably not **compelled** to do so [[Galatians 2:3]].
* `{{G5097}}` **timōréō** (to punish): The severe nature of the compulsion Paul once exerted is shown by its pairing with this word; he **punished** believers in synagogues and **compelled** them to blaspheme [[Acts 26:11]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G315}}` carries significant thematic weight across its occurrences.
* **Divine vs. Human Compulsion:** The word contrasts the legitimate, authoritative commands of Jesus [[Mark 6:45]] and the urgent invitation in the parable [[Luke 14:23]] with the illegitimate social and religious pressure exerted by humans ([[Galatians 2:14]]; [[Galatians 6:12]]).
* **Force in Persecution:** A key theme is the use of force to coerce believers against their faith. Paul's own history of **compelling** people to blaspheme demonstrates the violent nature of persecution [[Acts 26:11]].
* **Circumstantial Necessity:** The term is not limited to personal influence but can also describe being forced into a decision by a situation. Paul's appeal to Caesar was not his primary desire but an action he was **constrained** to take by the opposition of the Jews [[Acts 28:19]].
* **Pressure Within the Church:** The word highlights internal conflicts, such as when Paul felt the Corinthians had **compelled** him to boast [[2 Corinthians 12:11]] or when he challenged Peter's hypocrisy in **compelling** Gentiles to live like Jews [[Galatians 2:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G315}}` provides a nuanced look at the concept of force. It is not a simple term but one that encompasses a spectrum of meaning, from the decisive authority of Christ and the urgent call of the gospel to the manipulative pressures of religious factions and the dire necessities of persecution. The word effectively captures the various ways in which individuals and groups can be necessitated, constrained, or compelled to act.
TRV