συνέχω (sunechō)
sunechō
to hold/oppress
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunechō literally means to hold together or press against something from all sides. In the New Testament it often describes physical pressure, such as when a crowd crushes Jesus in Luke 8:45, or when soldiers hem in Jerusalem in Luke 19:43. It can also refer to holding a prisoner securely, as seen in Luke 22:63.
Beyond physical force, the word carries a strong sense of constraint or compulsion. Paul uses it to describe being "pressed" by the love of Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:14, suggesting an internal urgency that drives action. In Philippians 1:23, he speaks of being caught between two desires, illustrating how this term can express a spiritual or emotional tension that pulls a person in different directions.
When used in the passive voice, sunechō describes someone afflicted by illness or distress, such as those healed by Jesus in Matthew 4:24. This usage highlights the idea of being seized or overwhelmed by an external force. The word’s root implies a gathering or binding together, which explains its range from physical compression to psychological constraint.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word paints a picture of being held tightly by something greater than ourselves. In the New Testament, it describes physical pressure, like crowds pressing against Jesus or enemies surrounding a city. Yet it also captures internal forces. Paul writes that the love of Christ compels him, creating an urgent drive to serve others. This suggests that divine love is not a gentle whisper, but a powerful force that moves us forward.
When we feel overwhelmed by life’s demands or inner conflicts, this word reminds us that pressure can have purpose. It might be the weight of responsibility or the tension between two good desires. Rather than seeing stress solely as a burden, we can look for where God is holding us close. His presence often comes with intensity, shaping our character and directing our steps toward what matters most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was occupied1×
- they will hem in1×
- they were seized.1×
- they held1×
- surround1×
- oppressing,1×
- oppressed with1×
- oppressed1×
- compels1×
- are holding1×
- I am pressed1×
- I am distressed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνέχομαι2×
- συνέχουσίν1×
- συνέχοντες1×
- συνέχει1×
- συνέσχον1×
- συνέξουσίν1×
- συνείχοντο.¶1×
- συνείχετο1×
- συνεχόμενον1×
- συνεχομένους,1×
- συνεχομένη1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ compels us; because we judge thus: that one died for all, therefore all died.
Paul uses this word to show that Christ’s love acts as a compelling force, driving believers to live for Him rather than themselves.
-
Luke 8:45
Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
The crowd physically presses against Jesus, illustrating the literal meaning of being squeezed or constrained by external pressure.
-
Philippians 1:23
But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Paul describes being caught between two desires, using this term to express the spiritual tension pulling him in different directions.
-
Luke 19:43
For the days will come on you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side,
Jesus predicts enemies will hem Jerusalem in on every side, highlighting the word’s use for total encirclement and restriction.