ἀνάγκηanánkē
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
Greek (New Testament) · G318
Meanings
1. necessity: ἔχειν ἀ-, with infinitive, to be compelled, Luke 14:18, Luke 23:17 (Rec., R, margin), 1 Corinthians 7:37, Jude 1:3, Hebrews 7:27; ἐξ ἀ., κατ' ἀ., of necessity, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Hebrews 7:12, Philemon 1:14; ἀ. μοι ἐπίκειται, n. is laid on me, 1 Corinthians 9:16; with infinitive (= ἀναγκαῖον ἐστι), Matthew 18:7, Romans 13:5, Hebrews 9:16, Hebrews 9:23
2. force, violence, hence pain, distress: Luke 21:23, 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Thessalonians 3:7; plural, ἐν ἀ., 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Same root
- ἀνάaná · G303properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)
- ἀγκάληankálē · G43an arm (as curved)
- ἀναγκαῖοςanankaîos · G316necessary; by implication, close (of kin)
- ἐπάναγκεςepánankes · G1876(adverbially) on necessity, i.e. necessarily
- ἀναγκάζωanankázō · G315to necessitate
Where it appears
Appears 17 times in the Bible.
- Matthew 18:7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.
- Luke 14:18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’
- Luke 21:23 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people.
- Romans 13:5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
- 1 Corinthians 7:26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are.
- 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry.
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.