from σπαράσσω and κινέω; to move together, i.e. (specially), to excite as a mass (to sedition):--stir up.
Transliteration:synkinéō
Pronunciation:soong-kin-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συγκινέω (synkinéō), Strong's number `{{G4787}}`, is a compound word whose base definition indicates a derivation from σπαράσσω (sparassō, to tear, convulse) and κινέω (kinéō, to move, stir). The crucial prefix συν- (syn-) signifies "with" or "together," indicating a collective or joint action. Therefore, the literal sense is "to move together" or "to stir jointly." However, its specialized meaning, as provided, is "to excite as a mass (to sedition)," highlighting a powerful, often negative, collective agitation or incitement. This implies a stirring up of a crowd or populace to a state of unrest, tumult, or rebellion. The inclusion of σπαράσσω in the etymology suggests a violent or convulsive aspect to this collective movement, beyond mere simple stirring.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συγκινέω (synkinéō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 21:30]]**: "And all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together; and they took Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut."
In this singular occurrence, the verb powerfully describes the immediate and widespread reaction to false accusations against the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem. The phrase "all the city was stirred up" (συνεκινήθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις) vividly portrays a spontaneous and collective surge of agitation that gripped the entire urban populace. This was not a minor disturbance but a city-wide commotion, leading to a violent mob action against Paul. The context clearly aligns with the specialized meaning of "exciting a mass to sedition," as the crowd's agitation directly led to an attempt to seize and harm Paul, demonstrating a rapid descent into lawless behavior and public disorder. The incident underscores the volatile nature of crowds when incited.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate συγκινέω (synkinéō), it is helpful to consider its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **κινέω (kinéō, `{{G2795}}`)**: The root verb meaning "to move" or "to stir." συγκινέω adds the dimension of collective or joint movement, often with negative implications.
* **ταράσσω (tarassō, `{{G5015}}`)**: To trouble, disturb, or agitate. While similar in outcome, ταράσσω often emphasizes the internal state of being troubled or the general disturbance, whereas συγκινέω specifically focuses on the *act* of stirring up a group.
* **ἀναστατόω (anastatoō, `{{G387}}`)**: To stir up, disturb, or throw into confusion, often with the connotation of causing rebellion or disorder. This term is also used in Acts to describe Paul's perceived actions (e.g., [[Acts 17:6]]), indicating a similar outcome of public unrest.
* **θόρυβος (thorubos, `{{G2351}}`)**: This noun refers to an uproar, tumult, or commotion. It describes the *result* of a collective stirring, such as that caused by συγκινέω.
* **πλῆθος (plēthos, `{{G4128}}`)**: A multitude, crowd, or mass. While not a verb, this noun represents the "mass" that is "excited" or "stirred up" by συγκινέω.
The concept of public agitation, mob rule, and sedition are closely linked to συγκινέω, highlighting the dangers of uncritical mass movements.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of συγκινέω (synkinéō) in [[Acts 21:30]] carries significant theological weight. It illustrates a common pattern in the narrative of Acts: the opposition encountered by the early Christian missionaries often stemmed from collective agitation and mob violence, frequently incited by those whose economic or religious interests were threatened by the Gospel. The "stirring up" of the city represents the human tendency towards irrational, collective hostility when confronted with truth or perceived threats to established norms.
From a theological perspective, this word underscores:
1. **The Nature of Opposition:** The Gospel message, while bringing peace and reconciliation, often provokes intense opposition from those resistant to its transformative power. This opposition can manifest as swift, widespread, and violent collective action.
2. **The Vulnerability of God's Servants:** Like Paul, those who faithfully proclaim Christ may become targets of such collective agitation, facing persecution and physical danger.
3. **The Contrast with Divine Order:** The chaos and lawlessness implied by "stirring up to sedition" stand in stark contrast to the divine order, peace, and love that characterize the Kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the fallen human condition and its capacity for destructive collective behavior.
4. **The Sovereignty of God:** Despite such intense opposition and agitation, God's purposes for Paul and the spread of the Gospel were not thwarted, but rather advanced, demonstrating divine control even amidst human chaos.
### Summary
The Greek verb συγκινέω (synkinéō, `{{G4787}}`) signifies "to move together" or, more specifically, "to excite as a mass to sedition." Its etymology from σπαράσσω and κινέω, coupled with the "together" prefix συν-, points to a collective, often violent, agitation. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 21:30]] powerfully depicts the city-wide uproar against Paul, demonstrating how quickly a populace can be incited to hostile, unlawful action. Theologically, συγκινέω highlights the volatile nature of human opposition to the Gospel, the dangers of mob mentality, and the challenges faced by God's messengers. Yet, it also implicitly testifies to God's enduring sovereignty over human tumult, as His divine plan unfolds despite such fervent resistance.
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