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.
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.
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.
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.
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