The meaning of “ἀνάγκη”
Understanding anánkē reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
distress, must needs, (of) necessity(-sary), needeth, needful. - constraint (literally or figuratively) - by implication...
ἀνάγκη
distress, must needs, (of) necessity(-sary), needeth, needful. - constraint (literally or figuratively) - by implication, distress
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 18:7 | “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Word: ἀνάγκη (anánkē) | |
| Luke 21:23 | “But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.” Word: ἀνάγκη (anánkē) | |
| Romans 13:5 | “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” Word: ἀνάγκη (anánkē) | |
| 1 Corinthians 7:37 | “Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.” Word: ἀνάγκη (anánkē) | |
| 2 Corinthians 9:7 | “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Word: ἀνάγκη (anánkē) |