σύγχυσις (sugchusis)
sugchusis
confusion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sugchusis refers to a state of confusion or public disturbance, specifically describing the uproar caused by a crowd. It captures the chaotic energy of a group in disarray, where order breaks down and voices merge into a single noise of agitation.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:29, during the riot in Ephesus. The text describes how the crowd seized two of Paul’s companions and rushed into the theater, filling the building with such sugchusis that the assembly became completely confused. Here, it is not merely mental bewilderment but a tangible, physical commotion driven by emotion.
Its root connects to the idea of pouring together or mixing, which helps explain its sense of chaotic mingling. While other Greek words might describe personal confusion, sugchusis points to the external, social disruption that follows when a group loses its cohesion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sugchusis describes a sudden, public uproar where order breaks down and voices merge into chaotic noise. It captures the tangible commotion of a crowd losing its cohesion, driven by strong emotion rather than mere mental bewilderment. In Acts 19:29, this term paints a vivid picture of the riot in Ephesus, where the entire city rushed into the theater with seized companions, creating an atmosphere of intense disturbance.
While modern life rarely involves physical riots, we often encounter similar confusion when passions run high and clear thinking gives way to collective agitation. This word reminds us that such chaos is not just internal anxiety but a social disruption that affects everyone around it. Recognizing the signs of sugchusis helps us stay grounded when noise threatens to drown out reason.
God’s peace stands in contrast to this kind of disorder. When we feel overwhelmed by the clamor of others or our own circumstances, we can look to the One who calms storms and brings clarity. His presence offers a steady anchor amidst the swirling confusion, inviting us to find rest in His sovereign care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with confusion;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συγχύσεως·1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse uniquely uses sugchusis to describe the physical uproar of the Ephesian mob, highlighting how emotional agitation can lead to public disorder.