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συγχέω

synchéō

G4797 verb

SILEX Entry

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.

Translation Consistency

primary "confuse" 2 occurrences

The dominant sense in the SILEX range and the cited renderings is to cause disorder or mental perplexity (confound/confused). "Confuse" is the most natural, modern English verb that covers both the figurative meaning (throw into disorder or perplex) and can extend to the idea of mingling/blending so distinctions are lost. It is more natural than the more formal "confound" and fits the typical usage across occurrences.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"confounding" (2x) "thrown into confusion" (1x)

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 (συν- + χέω) (synchéō) — to pour together, to mix, to confound

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

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4797-01 συνχύννεται sunchunnetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG was in confusion was being thrown into confusion was being thrown into confusion 1
G4797-02 συνέχεον sunecheon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL stirred up they were mixing together they were confounding 1
G4797-03 συνέχυννεν sunechunnen V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG confounded he was mixing together he was confounding 1
G4797-04 συνεχύθη sunechuthe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG were confused was thrown into confusion was confused 1
G4797-05 συνκεχυμένη sunkechumene V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F SG confused having been poured together confused 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4797-04 Acts 2:6 συνεχύθη sunechuthe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG were confused was thrown into confusion was confused
G4797-03 Acts 9:22 συνέχυννεν sunechunnen V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG confounded he was mixing together he was confounding
G4797-05 Acts 19:32 συνκεχυμένη sunkechumene V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F SG confused having been poured together confused
G4797-02 Acts 21:27 συνέχεον sunecheon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL stirred up they were mixing together they were confounding
G4797-01 Acts 21:31 συνχύννεται sunchunnetai V PRS PASS IND 3P SG was in confusion was being thrown into confusion was being thrown into confusion
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