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ἀναγκαῖος

anankaîos

G316 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

necessary, compelled by necessity or constraint; closely connected or related (especially in terms of kinship or essential relationship). In most contexts, ἀναγκαῖος signals that something is required or dictated by external pressure, necessity, or circumstance; in relational contexts, it refers to someone or something closely related or essential.

Semantic Range

necessary, needful, required by circumstance, compelled, closely connected, near (of kin), indispensable, closely associated

Root / Etymology

From the noun ἀνάγκη (necessity, constraint, compulsion), itself of uncertain but ancient origin in Greek. ἀναγκαῖος is the adjectival form meaning 'of necessity' or 'related by necessity.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀναγκαῖος generally denotes that which is brought about or dictated by necessity, fate, or compulsion; it can also describe strong personal ties, especially kinship (e.g., close relative). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it maintains both senses: (1) describing something necessary, inevitable, or demanded by circumstances (see e.g., Luke 14:18; 1 Corinthians 12:22 as 'those which seem to be less necessary'); (2) denoting relatives or associates with whom one has an inescapable bond (cf. Philemon 1:2; those of one’s ‘household’ or close kin). English Bible translations often render the term as 'necessary,' 'needful,' or, in certain contexts, 'kinsman' or 'close companion.' Modern readers should note that this term emphasizes the idea of compulsion or binding necessity, whether it is about circumstances or relationships. It does not primarily signify emotional closeness, but a bond of necessity or obligation.

Translation Consistency

primary "necessary" 6 occurrences

Most common and natural rendering in the SILEX occurrences (6 of 7). ‘Necessary’ covers the primary senses — required by circumstance, compelled, indispensable — while still fitting relational uses (closely connected/essential). It is simple, idiomatic English and works consistently across all forms of ἀναγκαῖος.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"close" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνάγκη; necessary; by implication, close (of kin):--near, necessary, necessity, needful.

Root Family

ἀναγκαῖος (anankaîos) — necessity, compulsion, constraint, close relation

Root ἀναγκ- necessity, compulsion, constraint, close relation

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G316-03 ἀναγκαῖον anagkaion ADJ.P NOM N SG necessary necessary thing necessary thing 4
G316-04 ἀναγκαίους anagkaious ADJ.A ACC M PL close necessary ones close 1
G316-02 ἀναγκαίας anagkaias ADJ.A ACC F PL pressing necessary things necessary 1
G316-01 ἀναγκαῖά anagkaia ADJ.P NOM N PL necessary necessary things necessary things 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G316-04 Acts 10:24 ἀναγκαίους anagkaious ADJ.A ACC M PL close necessary ones close
G316-03 Acts 13:46 ἀναγκαῖον anagkaion ADJ.P NOM N SG necessary necessary thing necessary thing
G316-01 1 Corinthians 12:22 ἀναγκαῖά anagkaia ADJ.P NOM N PL necessary necessary things necessary things
G316-03 2 Corinthians 9:5 ἀναγκαῖον anagkaion ADJ.S ACC N SG necessary necessary thing necessary thing
G316-03 Philippians 2:25 ἀναγκαῖον anagkaion ADJ.S ACC N SG necessary necessary thing necessary thing
G316-02 Titus 3:14 ἀναγκαίας anagkaias ADJ.A ACC F PL pressing necessary things necessary
G316-03 Hebrews 8:3 ἀναγκαῖον anagkaion ADJ.P NOM N SG of necessity necessary thing necessary thing
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