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ὁρμή

hormḗ

G3730 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Initial motion toward or against something, an impulse or rush, typically involving a sudden movement or attack; in context, denotes a forceful advance, onset, or vigorous drive, whether literal (as in military or crowd movement) or figurative (as in strong inclination or passionately motivated action).

Semantic Range

impulse, rush, onset, assault, attack, beginning of motion, vigorous drive, inclination (rare, philosophical)

Root / Etymology

The etymology is uncertain. ὁρμή is possibly related to the verb ὁρμάω/ὁρμάω (to rush, to set in motion, to set out), ultimately from the root ὁρμ- expressing the idea of moving forward or impelling; however, a direct morphological ancestor is not firmly attested.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὁρμή commonly referred to the beginning of motion, a starting point, or an impetus towards something, whether in physical, emotional, or even philosophical contexts (e.g., Stoic philosophy, where it refers to an impulse or inclination of the soul). In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term continues to bear the sense of a sudden or forceful movement, often in collective or military settings (e.g., the onset of a battle, or a crowd's surge). In New Testament and Septuagint usage, ὁρμή generally denotes a forceful attack, assault, or rush—usually the sudden collective action of a group moving against someone. English versions often render it as 'assault' or 'attack,' but such translations may underrepresent the broader Greek use denoting motion, impulse, or origination of action. In philosophical discourse, it may also signify personal drive or inclination, but this sense is rare in biblical texts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; a violent impulse, i.e. onset:--assault.

Root Family

ὁρμή (hormē) — impulse, rush, onset, forceful advance, vigorous drive

Root ὁρμ- to move forward, to rush, to impel

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3730-01 ὁρμὴ orme N NOM F SG assault forceful rush forceful rush 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3730-01 Acts 14:5 ὁρμὴ orme N NOM F SG assault forceful rush forceful rush
G3730-01 James 3:4 ὁρμὴ orme N NOM F SG impulse forceful rush forceful rush
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