συγχέω (G4797) — Greek Lexicon

συγχέω

synchéō

G4797 verb

SILEX Entry

Root συγχέω (συν- + χέω) to pour together, to mix, to confound

Definition

To pour together, to mix or commingle; by extension, to confound or confuse, especially by mingling elements in such a way that individuality is lost or normal distinctions are blurred. In figurative contexts, to cause mental perplexity or to throw a group (such as an assembly) into a state of confusion or disorder.

Semantic Range

to physically mix or commingle substances, to blend so as to lose distinction, to confound or throw into confusion (of assemblies or crowds), to perplex (the mind), to cause uproar or disorder

Root / Etymology

From the preposition σύν ('with, together') and the verb χέω ('to pour'), literally meaning 'to pour together.' The compound denotes the act of mixing liquids or elements closely, with resulting confusion or loss of distinction.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, συγχέω is used primarily with the physical sense of mixing or pouring together (e.g., mixing drinks, melting metals). Over time, especially in Koine Greek, the verb takes on more abstract usages: to confuse thoughts or to create social disorder. In the Septuagint, it is used both literally (e.g., mixing substances) and metaphorically (to describe confusion of speech or uproar, as in the story of Babel). In the New Testament, its usage is more metaphorical, highlighting disruption, confusion, or mental perplexity, such as the confounding of a crowd or leaders. English translations often use 'confound' or 'confuse,' but the original word can imply a more active mixing or causing upheaval than the English 'confuse' sometimes suggests. The verb is distinct from ταράσσω ('to trouble, agitate') and differs from ἀναστατόω ('to disturb, upset') in carrying the sense of mingling elements rather than just causing disturbance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σύν and (to pour) or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind):--confound, confuse, stir up, be in an uproar.

Root Family

συγχέω (syncheō) — to pour together, to mix, to confound

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G4797-01`	συνχύννεται	sunchunnetai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P SG`	was in confusion	was being thrown into confusion	1
`G4797-02`	συνέχεον	sunecheon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	stirred up	they were mixing together	1
`G4797-05`	συνκεχυμένη	sunkechumene	`V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F SG`	confused	having been poured together	1
`G4797-03`	συνέχυννεν	sunechunnen	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	confounded	he was mixing together	1
`G4797-04`	συνεχύθη	sunechuthe	`V AOR PASS IND 3P SG`	were confused	was thrown into confusion	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G4797-04`	Acts 2:6	συνεχύθη	sunechuthe	`V AOR PASS IND 3P SG`	were confused	was thrown into confusion
`G4797-03`	Acts 9:22	συνέχυννεν	sunechunnen	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	confounded	he was mixing together
`G4797-05`	Acts 19:32	συνκεχυμένη	sunkechumene	`V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F SG`	confused	having been poured together
`G4797-02`	Acts 21:27	συνέχεον	sunecheon	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL`	stirred up	they were mixing together
`G4797-01`	Acts 21:31	συνχύννεται	sunchunnetai	`V PRS PASS IND 3P SG`	was in confusion	was being thrown into confusion

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