### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3726 (horkízō) derives from the noun `{{G3727}}` (horkos), meaning "oath." Its primary sense is "to put on oath," or "to make someone swear." This involves compelling a person to bind themselves by a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness or consequence. By extension, it carries the semantic range of "to solemnly enjoin," "to charge," or "to implore with the force of an oath." This implies a command or request that carries immense weight, demanding a response as if under a sacred vow. The underlying concept is one of binding obligation and serious commitment, often with spiritual or legal ramifications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3726 appears in the New Testament in several significant contexts:
* **Demonic Recognition of Authority:** In [[Mark 5:7]] and [[Luke 8:28]], demonic spirits confronted by Jesus cry out, "I adjure you by God, do not torment me!" or "I beg you, do not torment me!" (NIV). Here, horkízō underscores the demons' desperate attempt to bind Jesus by an appeal to divine authority, recognizing His supreme power and their own vulnerable position. It reveals that even malevolent spiritual entities understand and react to the binding nature of an adjuration invoking the divine name.
* **Misuse of Spiritual Authority:** [[Acts 19:13]] describes the Jewish exorcists, the sons of Sceva, attempting to cast out demons by saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims!" This instance highlights a misuse of the concept of adjuration, attempting to harness divine power without genuine faith or authority, leading to disastrous consequences for the exorcists. It demonstrates that the efficacy of adjuration is not in the mere utterance of words, but in the true power and authority behind them.
* **Apostolic Charge:** In [[1 Thessalonians 5:27]], Paul writes, "I solemnly charge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers." Here, horkízō conveys the apostle's earnest and authoritative command. Paul is not merely requesting; he is binding the Thessalonian believers by the authority of the Lord to ensure the widespread reading of his inspired letter. This emphasizes the solemnity and divine backing of apostolic instruction.
* **Legal/Religious Interrogation:** Perhaps most dramatically, in [[Matthew 26:63]], the High Priest Caiaphas addresses Jesus during His trial: "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." This is a formal, legal, and religious adjuration, designed to compel Jesus to speak under oath, making any false statement a blasphemy punishable by death. It underscores the gravity of testimony given before God and the ultimate truthfulness demanded by divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G3726 (horkízō) is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{G3727}}` (horkos):** The direct noun root, meaning "oath." horkízō is the action of administering or compelling an horkos.
* **`{{G3660}}` (omnysō):** To swear, to take an oath. While horkízō is to *make* someone swear, omnysō is the act of swearing itself.
* **`{{G1263}}` (diamartyromai):** To solemnly testify, to earnestly charge or warn. This word shares the sense of a strong, earnest injunction, though without the specific "oath" component of horkízō.
* **`{{G1781}}` (entellomai):** To command, to order. This is a more general term for giving a command, lacking the specific solemnity or binding nature of an adjuration.
* **Concepts:** The word evokes concepts such as divine sovereignty, human accountability, the sanctity of truth, the power of spoken words, and the spiritual implications of promises and vows made before God. It highlights the serious nature of invoking God's name or authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3726 is profound, touching upon several key doctrines:
* **Divine Authority and Sovereignty:** The use of horkízō by or towards God/Jesus unequivocally affirms the absolute authority of the divine. Even demonic forces are compelled to acknowledge and appeal to this authority, revealing its inescapable nature. When humans adjure by God, it is an appeal to the highest court, recognizing God as the ultimate witness and judge.
* **Truth and Testimony:** In contexts like Jesus' trial, horkízō underscores the gravity of truth-telling, especially under divine invocation. It highlights God's demand for integrity and the seriousness of false witness, which is a direct affront to His nature.
* **Human Responsibility and Accountability:** Being "adjured" places a solemn burden of responsibility on the individual. It binds them to a course of action or a truthful declaration, emphasizing that words spoken under such conditions carry immense spiritual weight and consequence.
* **Apostolic and Prophetic Authority:** Paul's use of horkízō in [[1 Thessalonians 5:27]] demonstrates the spiritual authority vested in God's chosen messengers. An apostolic adjuration is not a mere suggestion but a divinely-backed command, requiring obedience from believers.
* **The Power of God's Name:** The act of adjuring often involves invoking the name of God (e.g., "by the living God"). This reinforces the biblical understanding of the power, holiness, and majesty associated with God's name, which is not to be used lightly or in vain.
### Summary
G3726 (horkízō) is a potent Greek verb signifying "to put on oath" or "to solemnly charge/enjoin." Rooted in the concept of a binding oath, it conveys a command or request of the utmost seriousness, often invoking divine authority. Its biblical occurrences range from demonic acknowledgment of Christ's power to solemn apostolic commands and critical legal interrogations. Theologically, horkízō illuminates the absolute sovereignty of God, the profound responsibility of human testimony and obedience, the sanctity of truth, and the weighty authority of God's chosen messengers. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual gravity inherent in invoking the divine name and the inescapable nature of divine judgment.
TRV