σύγχυσις

sýnchysis

G4799 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

State of disorder, commingling, or confusion; primarily denoting a mixing together so as to lose distinctness. By extension, a disturbance or tumultuous situation in which order is lost, either physically (as with substances or people) or figuratively (as in social or moral confusion). In literary and rhetorical contexts, often used for a confused intermingling of elements, ideas, or groups.

Semantic Range

commingling, mixing together, confusion, disorder, tumult, riotous disturbance, blending or blurring of boundaries

Root / Etymology

From the verb συγχέω (to pour together, to commingle). Formed with the suffix -σις, indicating the process or result of an action. No evidence for non-Greek derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σύγχυσις primarily referred to physical mixing, such as the blending of liquids or elements, and by extension, to states of turmoil or disorder. The sense of social or moral confusion appears in both philosophical and popular Hellenistic Greek. In the Septuagint, it sometimes translates Hebrew terms for confusion, disorder, or chaos, especially with reference to the aftermath of conflict or divine judgment. In the New Testament and later Koine, the term is rare but when present, it retains its broad semantic range: from literal commingling or disorder to figurative states of riotous unrest. English translations vary between 'confusion', 'tumult', or 'disturbance', but may not always convey the nuance of mixing or the loss of boundary implicit in the term. Contrast with related words like ταραχή (disturbance, tumult), which may indicate uproar without the element of mixing or merging.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from συγχέω; commixture, i.e. (figuratively) riotous disturbance:--confusion.

Root Family

συγχυ- (sýnchysis) — to mix together, to confound, to disorder

Root συγχυ- to mix together, to confound, to disorder

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4799-01 συγχύσεως sugchuseos N GEN F SG confusion of disorderly commingling of disorderly commingling 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4799-01 Acts 19:29 συγχύσεως sugchuseos N GEN F SG confusion of disorderly commingling of disorderly commingling