from σύν and (to pour) or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind):--confound, confuse, stir up, be in an uproar.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **synchéō**, represented by `{{G4797}}`, describes a state of disorder and confusion. Derived from roots meaning "to pour together," it is used figuratively to mean throwing an assembly into disorder or perplexing the mind. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses, where it is translated as **confound**, **confuse**, **stir up**, or **be in an uproar**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Acts, `{{G4797}}` is used to describe both mental and social turmoil. On the day of Pentecost, the multitude was **confounded** when they heard the apostles speaking in various languages [[Acts 2:6]]. Similarly, Saul **confounded** the Jews in Damascus by powerfully proving that Jesus is the Christ [[Acts 9:22]]. The word also depicts civic chaos, such as when Jews from Asia **stirred up** a crowd against Paul in the temple [[Acts 21:27]], leading to the report that all of Jerusalem was in an **uproar** [[Acts 21:31]]. In Ephesus, a gathering descended into chaos where the **assembly** was **confused**, and most did not know why they had assembled [[Acts 19:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the context of the confusion and uproar described by `{{G4797}}`:
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (assembly, church): This word identifies the group that is thrown into disorder. In Ephesus, the **assembly** itself was **confused** `{{G4797}}`, highlighting the collective nature of the chaos [[Acts 19:32]].
* `{{G2896}}` **krázō** (to cry out): This describes the audible result of the confusion. When the assembly in Ephesus was **confused** `{{G4797}}`, the people **cried** out different things, demonstrating the lack of unity and order [[Acts 19:32]].
* `{{G4822}}` **symbibázō** (to prove, knit together): This term can be the cause of the confounding. Saul **confounded** `{{G4797}}` the Jews in Damascus by **proving** `{{G4822}}` the truth about Christ, showing that a compelling argument can lead to mental perplexity for those who oppose it [[Acts 9:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4797}}` is seen in how it characterizes the world's reaction to divine truth.
* **Reaction to Miraculous Power:** The supernatural work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost did not lead to immediate clarity for all, but first **confounded** the multitude, showing how God's power can perplex the human mind [[Acts 2:6]].
* **Response to the Gospel:** The proclamation of the gospel is often the direct cause of the uproar. Saul, newly **strengthened** `{{G1743}}`, immediately used his strength to **confound** `{{G4797}}` his opponents with the truth [[Acts 9:22]].
* **Catalyst for Persecution:** The confusion described by `{{G4797}}` often escalates into violent opposition. An uproar **stirred up** by Paul's enemies led them to lay hands on him [[Acts 21:27]] and attempt **to kill** `{{G615}}` him [[Acts 21:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4797}}` is a dynamic word that captures the disruptive impact of the gospel on the established order. Whether describing the mental perplexity of individuals confronted with undeniable truth or the chaotic uproar of a crowd hostile to the message, **synchéō** consistently illustrates the turmoil that follows the proclamation of Christ in a resistant world. It signifies a "pouring together" of arguments, people, and emotions that results in widespread confusion and conflict.
TRV