συγχέω (sugcheō)
sugcheō
to confound
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sugcheō describes a state of being poured together or mixed up, leading to confusion. Its root combines a prefix meaning "together" with a word for "pouring," creating an image of liquids blending into a single, indistinguishable mass. In the New Testament, this physical mixing becomes a metaphor for social or mental disorder, where distinct groups or thoughts are stirred into chaos.
This word appears five times in Scripture, primarily within the book of Acts to describe public unrest. It captures the sudden eruption of crowd mentality, such as when agitators stirred up trouble against Paul (Acts 21:30). The sources note that it conveys more than simple disagreement; it implies a tumultuous outbreak where reason is lost and confusion reigns.
Translators typically render sugcheō as "stirred up" or "confounded." This choice highlights the active nature of the disturbance. It was not merely a passive state of being confused, but an event where external forces agitated the crowd, causing them to lose their composure and act in disorder.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sugcheō paints a vivid picture of liquids poured together until they lose their individual identity, resulting in a cloudy, indistinguishable mix. In the New Testament, this physical image becomes a metaphor for social and mental chaos. It describes moments when crowds are stirred into an uproar, losing reason and composure under external pressure. This is not merely disagreement; it is a tumultuous outbreak where distinct voices merge into a single, confused noise.
For your faith life, this word offers a sobering reminder of how easily we can be swept up in the emotions of the moment. When surrounded by agitation or conflicting opinions, it is easy to let our own clarity dissolve into the crowd’s confusion. The biblical accounts show that such unrest often leads to harm and misunderstanding, stripping away the peace that comes from steady conviction.
Yet, this description also highlights the need for inner stability. While the world around us may be in an uproar, we are called to maintain a clear mind and a calm spirit. By grounding ourselves in truth rather than reacting to the noise, we can avoid being 'poured together' with the chaos of the age. This steadiness allows us to witness clearly, even when others are bewildered.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were stirring up1×
- was confounding1×
- was confounded,1×
- confused,1×
- are in an uproar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνέχυννεν1×
- συνέχεον1×
- συνεχύθη,1×
- συγχύννεται1×
- συγκεχυμένη,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:31
As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
This verse captures the peak of the word’s meaning, describing how news spread that the entire city had lost its order and fallen into a chaotic uproar.
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Acts 19:32
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together.
Here the term explains why the assembly was unable to function, as most participants did not even know the original reason for their gathering due to the confusion.
-
Acts 9:22
But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
In this unique instance, the word describes Saul’s intellectual impact on his opponents, showing how he mixed up their arguments and left them bewildered by his proofs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word sugcheō mean?
Where does sugcheō appear in the Bible?
How is sugcheō different from simple disagreement?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Acts 5 verses
When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his…
Acts 9:22But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
Acts 19:32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they…
Acts 21:27When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the…
Acts 21:31As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an…