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ἐπάναγκες

epánankes

G1876 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Necessarily, by necessity; indicating that an action is undertaken due to compulsion, constraint, or the force of circumstances, rather than free choice. Used adverbially to signal that something occurs because it cannot be otherwise, often due to external necessity or pressing obligation.

Semantic Range

necessarily, by necessity, of necessity, out of compulsion, due to constraint, by force of circumstance

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition ἐπί ('on, upon') and the noun ἀνάγκη ('necessity, constraint, compulsion'), resulting in a compound adverb meaning 'upon necessity' or 'by (the force of) necessity.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἐπάναγκες is rare, attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:16), where it functions exclusively as an adverb. It expresses action performed due to compelling circumstances or necessity, not by voluntary choice. While English Bible translations often use 'necessarily' or 'by necessity,' the Greek carries a strong sense of external compulsion or unavoidable obligation. The term is more emphatic than simple 'need' and is related to ἀνάγκη (necessity, compulsion), which can refer both to physical needs and social or moral imperatives. In philosophical and rhetorical contexts, such terms marked actions driven not by personal will but by irresistible force or obligation. The related adjective form ἀναγκαῖος and the noun ἀνάγκη are more common and have overlapping, though distinct, usage patterns.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a presumed compound of ἐπί and ἀνάγκη; (adverbially) on necessity, i.e. necessarily:--necessary.

Root Family

ἀναγκ- (epánankes) — necessity, compulsion, constraint

Root ἀναγκ- necessity, compulsion, constraint
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G315 ἀναγκάζω compelling
G316 ἀναγκαῖος necessary things
G317 ἀναγκαστῶς under compulsion

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1876-01 ἐπάναγκες epanagkes ADV necessary things by necessity necessary things 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1876-01 Acts 15:28 ἐπάναγκες epanagkes ADV necessary things by necessity necessary things
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