### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hormáō**, represented by `{{G3729}}`, describes an action of starting, spurring, or urging on; reflexively, it means to **dash** or **plunge**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, often translated as to **run violently** or **rush**. This term captures a sense of sudden, forceful, and often uncontrollable movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3729}}` is consistently used to depict a collective, forceful, and sudden movement. Three instances describe the herd of swine, possessed by demons, that **ran violently** down a steep bank into the water to their destruction ([[Matthew 8:32]], [[Mark 5:13]], [[Luke 8:33]]). The other two occurrences describe human mobs: in Ephesus, a crowd **rushed** into the theatre in a state of confusion [[Acts 19:29]], and an enraged mob **ran** upon Stephen after stopping their ears to his testimony [[Acts 7:57]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the actions associated with `{{G3729}}`:
* `{{G3661}}` **homothymadón** (unanimously): This adverb, often translated as "with one accord," frequently accompanies `{{G3729}}` to describe the unified impulse of a mob [[Acts 7:57]]. It is also used to describe the positive unity of the early believers in prayer [[Acts 1:14]].
* `{{G4884}}` **synarpázō** (to snatch together, i.e. seize): This word denotes a sudden, forceful seizing. Before the mob rushed the theatre in Ephesus, they first **caught** Paul's companions [[Acts 19:29]]. This same word describes the seizing of Stephen before he was brought to the council [[Acts 6:12]].
* `{{G599}}` **apothnḗskō** (to die off): The violent rush of the swine leads directly to this outcome. In Matthew's account, the entire herd **perished** in the water [[Matthew 8:32]]. Theologically, this word is central to the gospel, describing how Christ **died** for sinners [[Romans 5:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3729}}` lies in its portrayal of sudden, forceful, and often destructive momentum.
* **The Impulse of Unclean Spirits:** In the synoptic gospels, the demons' first act upon entering the swine is to incite a self-destructive **rush** [[Mark 5:13]]. This demonstrates the inherently ruinous nature of demonic influence, leading immediately to death and chaos.
* **Collective Opposition to the Gospel:** The term is used for the mob that **ran** upon Stephen, a violent, unified rejection of his Spirit-filled testimony [[Acts 7:57]]. Similarly, it describes the riotous mob in Ephesus, where confusion and mob mentality lead to a **rush** against Paul's companions [[Acts 19:29]].
* **Irrevocable Action:** The word implies a point of no return. Once the herd **ran violently**, they perished [[Matthew 8:32]]. Once the mobs **rushed**, reason was lost to violence and confusion. The action is decisive and final.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3729}}` **hormáō** is not simply a word for movement, but for a violent, collective, and often irrational impulse. Whether describing a herd of swine plunging to their doom under demonic influence [[Luke 8:33]] or a human mob **rushing** forward in unified anger [[Acts 7:57]], the word conveys a sense of uncontrollable, destructive force. It serves as a vivid biblical illustration of how a singular, forceful momentum can lead to chaos and ruin.
TRV