ὁρμή (hormē)
hormē
impulse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hormē describes a sudden, forceful movement or impulse. In the New Testament, it carries a sense of urgency and physical momentum, often implying a rush toward a specific goal. The sources note two primary applications: a general violent motion and a more specific hostile assault.
This word appears in only two verses, highlighting its distinct usage. James 3:4 uses it to describe the impulse that drives a large ship when steered by a small rudder, emphasizing how a minor force can direct great momentum. In Acts 14:5, it refers to a hostile assault or onset against Paul and Barnabas, capturing the intensity of an attack.
The term likely derives from a root meaning to set in motion or urge forward. Its presence in both James and Acts shows how early Christian writers used this vivid imagery to illustrate both the power of small influences and the suddenness of opposition. Translators typically render it as "impulse" or "assault," depending on whether the context is metaphorical or literal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word hormē captures a sudden, forceful movement or impulse. It describes a rush toward a specific goal with physical momentum. In Acts 14:5, it refers to a hostile assault against Paul and Barnabas. This shows how quickly opposition can arise when we stand for our faith.
James 3:4 uses the same word in a different way. It compares the tongue to a ship driven by fierce winds. A small rudder directs this great impulse. This teaches us that small forces can guide large movements. We must be careful with our words, as they carry significant weight.
Understanding hormē helps us see the power of direction in our lives. Whether facing external attacks or internal impulses, we need guidance. Just as a pilot steers a ship, God’s wisdom can direct our steps. We are invited to seek His guidance in every moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- impulse1×
- a rush1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁρμὴ2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 14:5
When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them,
This verse uses the word to describe a violent attempt to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas, highlighting the intensity of sudden opposition.
-
James 3:4
Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
Here the term describes the forceful momentum of ships driven by fierce winds, illustrating how a small rudder can guide great power.