συγχέω
sugcheō
to confound
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word συγχέω (sugcheō) is defined as "to confound." This verb conveys the idea of mixing or confusing things together, often resulting in a state of disorder or uncertainty. In the five instances where this word appears in the Bible, it is used to describe situations where people are perplexed or unable to distinguish between different things. The range of usage for συγχέω is quite broad, encompassing various contexts such as confusion, perplexity, and even the idea of rendering someone speechless. This verb is often used in contrast to clarity, understanding, or clear expression. For example, when someone is "confounded" (sugcheō), they may be unable to articulate their thoughts or feelings. The significance of συγχέω lies in its ability to convey a sense of disorientation or uncertainty. In biblical contexts, this word can be used to describe situations where people are faced with moral dilemmas, conflicting loyalties, or spiritual confusion. By examining the occurrences of συγχέω in the Bible, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges that humans face in their relationships with God and with each other.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.
Acts 9:22But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
Acts 19:32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn’t know why they had come together.
Acts 21:27When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him,
Acts 21:31As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.