ὁρμάω (hormaō)
hormaō
to stampede
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hormaō conveys a sense of rushing forward with intense momentum, often describing an impulsive or violent charge. Derived from the noun hormē (impulse or urge), it captures the energy of something set in rapid motion. In the Gospels and Acts, it frequently depicts crowds or animals moving with uncontrollable force, such as the herd of pigs that stampeded into the sea after the demons left a man (Mark 5:13). It can also describe people acting on sudden passion, like the rioters in Ephesus who dragged Paul’s companions into the crowd with a shared impulse (Acts 19:29).
This word emphasizes the physical and emotional speed of action rather than careful deliberation. Translators often render it as "rushed," "stormed," or "impelled." The imagery is vivid: it is not a steady walk but a sudden surge, whether by animals fleeing in terror or people driven by collective excitement. It highlights moments where emotion overrides restraint, showing how quickly situations can escalate when people are stirred up to act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hormaō paints a picture of sudden, unstoppable momentum. It describes a herd of pigs rushing into the sea or a crowd dragging someone away in a fever pitch of emotion. In these moments, impulse overrides reason, and individual restraint vanishes under the weight of collective force. The imagery is vivid: it is not a steady walk but a surge that carries everyone along, regardless of their original intent.
For your faith life, this word offers a sobering reminder of how easily emotions can hijack our actions. When we act on sudden passion or follow the crowd without pausing to think, we risk chaos rather than clarity. Scripture invites us to recognize these moments of impulsive charge and choose a different path—one guided by the Spirit’s peace rather than the world’s frenzy.
Instead of being swept away by the rush of anger or excitement, you can anchor yourself in Christ’s steady love. His presence does not stampede; it settles your heart. When you feel the urge to react quickly, take a breath and look to Jesus. He offers a calm that remains even when everything around you is moving at full speed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rushed4×
- they rushed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὥρμησεν3×
- ὥρμησάν1×
- ὥρμησαν1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:13
At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.
This verse shows the word describing demons causing pigs to rush into the sea, highlighting how spiritual forces can drive physical actions with violent momentum.
-
Acts 7:57
But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears, then rushed at him with one accord.
Here the term describes a crowd rushing at Stephen with one accord, illustrating how collective anger can override individual judgment in a sudden surge of hostility.
-
Acts 19:29
The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.
The word captures the city’s confusion as people rush into the theater, showing how shared emotion can mobilize a large group for chaotic and impulsive action.