ὁρμάω
hormáō
G3729 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To set oneself in motion with force; to rush or charge forward. The verb primarily conveys the idea of moving forward suddenly or energetically, often with some degree of violence or strong emotion. In certain contexts, it may describe not merely physical movement but also the passionate or impelled motivation behind such action.
Semantic Range
to rush, to dash forward, to charge (as of a crowd or individual), to be impelled or driven, to move with impulse or violence
Root / Etymology
Derived from ὁρμή (hormē), which means 'onrush', 'impulse', or 'violent movement'. The verb form ὁρμάω thus describes the action of being impelled onward, either physically or metaphorically.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ὁρμάω is used to describe both literal physical motion (as in an army charging or animals rushing) and metaphorical drives (such as strong impulses or intentions). In the Septuagint, it tends to reflect sudden or forceful movement, often in military or hostile contexts. In the New Testament (e.g., Acts 19:29; Acts 21:30; Luke 8:33), the verb frequently indicates a violent rush, such as a crowd surging forward or animals charging, emphasizing both the speed and the collective intensity of motion. English translations often render it as 'rush', 'run violently', or 'charge', but these may understate the element of inner compulsion or impetus present in the Greek. Unlike more neutral terms for moving forward (such as βαίνω or τρέχω), ὁρμάω includes the nuance of forceful, sometimes uncontrolled action, and is often connected to mob actions, sudden assaults, or overpowering drives. The term shares semantic space with words such as φέρω (to bear, carry, sometimes 'to rush' in certain constructions) but is more specific regarding sudden initiation and violent intent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὁρμή; to start, spur or urge on, i.e. (reflexively) to dash or plunge:--run (violently), rush.
Root Family
ὁρμάω (hormaō) — to rush forward, to set in motion, to charge
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3729-02 |
ὥρμησεν | ormesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
rushed | charged forward | 3 |
G3729-01 |
ὥρμησαν | ormesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they rushed | they rushed forward | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3729-02 |
Matthew 8:32 | ὥρμησεν | ormesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
charged forward | |
G3729-02 |
Mark 5:13 | ὥρμησεν | ormesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
rushed | charged forward |
G3729-02 |
Luke 8:33 | ὥρμησεν | ormesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
rushed | charged forward |
G3729-01 |
Acts 7:57 | ὥρμησαν | ormesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they rushed | they rushed forward |
G3729-01 |
Acts 19:29 | ὥρμησάν | ormesan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they rushed | they rushed forward |