### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun σύγχυσις (`{{G4799}}`, *sýnchysis*) denotes a state of "commixture" or "mingling," derived from the verb συγχέω (`{{G4796}}`, *syncheō*), meaning "to pour together," "to mix up," or "to confuse." Its primary literal sense involves the physical blending or fusion of elements. However, in its more frequent and significant usage, *sýnchysis* extends metaphorically to describe a state of intellectual, social, or spiritual "disorder," "disturbance," or "confusion." It signifies a lack of clarity, a chaotic jumble, or a tumultuous uproar, where distinct elements or ideas lose their proper arrangement and become indistinguishable. This semantic range moves from a physical act of mixing to a profound state of disarray and bewilderment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σύγχυσις (`{{G4799}}`, *sýnchysis*) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 19:29]]: "And the city was filled with confusion." This verse describes the tumultuous riot in Ephesus, stirred up by Demetrius and the silversmiths against Paul and his companions. The "confusion" here refers to the widespread disorder and agitated state of the populace. The crowd, driven by economic fear and religious fervor, was in an uproar, lacking clear direction or rational thought. The use of *sýnchysis* powerfully conveys the chaotic and undifferentiated nature of the mob, where individual voices and intentions were swallowed by a collective, irrational surge of emotion. This single occurrence highlights the word's capacity to encapsulate a scene of intense public disorder and tumult, arising from human opposition and agitation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *sýnchysis* (`{{G4799}}`) is illuminated by its root and related terms. The verb συγχέω (`{{G4796}}`, *syncheō*), from which *sýnchysis* is derived, appears multiple times in Acts, often describing the act of "confusing" or "throwing into confusion," as when Paul was accused of "confusing" the temple ([[Acts 21:27]]) or when the entire city was "in confusion" ([[Acts 21:31]]). Other Greek words that convey aspects of disorder or tumult include:
* θόρυβος (`{{G2351}}`, *thorubos*): "uproar," "tumult," "commotion," often used for crowd disturbances.
* ἀκαταστασία (`{{G181}}`, *akatastasia*): "instability," "disorder," "commotion," frequently linked to social unrest or spiritual agitation (e.g., [[James 3:16]]).
* ταραχή (`{{G5016}}`, *tarachē*): "trouble," "disturbance," "agitation," implying a state of mental or emotional disquiet.
In contrast, the concept of "good order" or "decency" is conveyed by εὐταξία (`{{G2102}}`, *eutaxia*), as seen in [[1 Corinthians 14:40]], where Paul instructs that all things should be done "decently and in order." The Old Testament provides a powerful conceptual parallel in the Tower of Babel narrative ([[Genesis 11:1-9]]), where God "confused" (בָּלַל, `{{H1101}}`, *balal*) the languages of humanity, leading to a state of linguistic *sýnchysis* as a divine judgment against human pride and unity against God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *sýnchysis* (`{{G4799}}`) lies primarily in its stark contrast to the divine nature and will. God is consistently presented in Scripture as a God of order, not of disorder or confusion. As [[1 Corinthians 14:33]] declares, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." Therefore, *sýnchysis* represents a state antithetical to the divine character and the harmonious operation of God's creation and redemptive plan.
Human-instigated confusion, as seen in Ephesus, often arises from:
1. **Rejection of Truth:** The riot was a reaction against the truth of the gospel, leading to irrational behavior.
2. **Selfishness and Materialism:** Demetrius's motivation was primarily economic, demonstrating how worldly concerns can lead to spiritual and social chaos.
3. **Mob Mentality:** The *sýnchysis* highlights the dangers of unthinking collective action, where individuals lose their moral compass within a crowd.
From a broader biblical perspective, instances of "confusion" can be seen as consequences of humanity's fall and ongoing rebellion against God's established order. While not explicitly using *sýnchysis*, the divine act of confusing languages at Babel serves as a foundational archetype for God's judgment through the introduction of disorder when humanity seeks to usurp divine authority. Thus, *sýnchysis* serves as a potent descriptor of the disarray that results when humanity departs from God's wisdom and peace.
### Summary
The Greek term σύγχυσις (`{{G4799}}`, *sýnchysis*) fundamentally describes a "commixture" that leads to "disorder" or "confusion." Though appearing only once in the New Testament in [[Acts 19:29]], its use vividly portrays the tumultuous and irrational state of the Ephesian riot—a chaotic scene born of human opposition to the gospel. Derived from the verb συγχέω (`{{G4796}}`, *syncheō*), it stands in stark contrast to the divine attribute of order and peace, as emphasized in [[1 Corinthians 14:33]]. Theologically, *sýnchysis* underscores the disruptive consequences of human sin, the rejection of divine truth, and the dangers of unbridled mob mentality, serving as a powerful descriptor of societal and spiritual disarray in the biblical narrative.
TRV