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ἀνάγκη

anánkē

G318 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἀγκ- to press, to encircle, to constrain

Definition

Compulsion, necessity—an external or internal force that compels action or feeling. The term denotes that which is unavoidable or inescapable, whether arising from circumstances, the pressure of another, obligation, fate, or strong emotion. In various contexts, it may refer to a situation of distress or hardship that compels action, or to an external necessity that binds one to a particular course, whether imposed by circumstances, law, duty, or fate. Occasionally, it carries the sense of urgent distress or intense need.

Semantic Range

compulsion, constraint, necessity, inevitability, distressing circumstance, urgent need, external or internal force, fate, obligation, hardship

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἀνά ('up, upon') and the base of ἀγκάλη ('arm, embrace'); originally connected with the idea of being held or bound, hence by extension 'constraint, force.' The root is ἀγκ- ('to bend, curve; to encircle').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀνάγκη often denotes external necessity, compulsion, or fate—forces outside human control that dictate action or outcome (e.g., Homer, Tragedians, Plato), and can refer to the absolute power of fate or the inevitable laws governing the cosmos. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the LXX and New Testament, it broadens to encompass not only cosmic or external compulsions but also social, emotional, and practical pressures—such as distressing situations that oblige specific actions (Luke 14:18, 21:23; 1 Cor 7:26). In moral or ethical discourse, it may contrast with voluntary or chosen actions (cf. διαφορά between ἀνάγκη and ἑκούσιος, 'voluntary'). The English translations 'necessity,' 'distress,' or 'need' often fail to convey the sense of overwhelming compulsion or inevitability the word can express. Distinct from χρεία ('need, want'), which emphasizes lack, ἀνάγκη centers on compulsion—whether by fate, law, or circumstances. In Hellenistic philosophy (especially Stoic thought), ἀνάγκη is a technical term for the necessity of fate or natural law, but New Testament usage tends towards more immediate, situational compulsions and distress.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνά and the base of ἀγκάλη; constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress:--distress, must needs, (of) necessity(-sary), needeth, needful.

Root Family

ἀνάγκη (anánkē) — compulsion, constraint, necessity, pressing force

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G318-02 ἀνάγκη anagke N NOM F SG necessity compelling necessity 7
G318-03 ἀνάγκην anagken N ACC F SG necessity pressing necessity 7
G318-01 ἀνάγκαις anagkais N DAT F PL to constraints 2
G318-04 ἀνάγκης anagkes N GEN F SG of compulsion 2

Occurrences in Scripture

18 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G318-02 Matthew 18:7 ἀνάγκη anagke N NOM F SG compelling necessity
G318-03 Luke 14:18 ἀνάγκην anagken N ACC F SG need pressing necessity
G318-02 Luke 21:23 ἀνάγκη anagke N NOM F SG distress compelling necessity
G318-03 Luke 23:17 Ἀνάγκην anagken N ACC F SG necessity pressing necessity
G318-02 Romans 13:5 ἀνάγκη anagke N NOM F SG necessity compelling necessity
G318-03 1 Corinthians 7:26 ἀνάγκην anagken N ACC F SG distress pressing necessity
G318-03 1 Corinthians 7:37 ἀνάγκην anagken N ACC F SG necessity pressing necessity
G318-02 1 Corinthians 9:16 ἀνάγκη anagke N NOM F SG necessity compelling necessity
G318-01 2 Corinthians 6:4 ἀνάγκαις anagkais N DAT F PL to constraints
G318-04 2 Corinthians 9:7 ἀνάγκης anagkes N GEN F SG of compulsion
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