What Does Compel Mean In The Bible? A Detailed Look At The Meaning And Examples
The word ‘compel’ appears several times throughout the Bible. But what exactly does it mean in context, and how is it used in Scripture? This comprehensive guide will examine the definition, meaning, and examples of ‘compel’ in the Bible.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: In the Bible, the word ‘compel’ means to force, drive, or impel someone to do something. It often refers to the act of urging, convincing, or requiring someone to act or move in a certain way.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we will dive into the meaning of ‘compel’ across both the Old and New Testaments. We’ll look at the original Hebrew and Greek words behind ‘compel’, examine several compelling examples of its use, and discuss what we can learn about God’s character from these passages.
The Definition and Meaning of Compel
The Literal Definition
The word “compel” comes from the Latin word “compellere” which means “to drive together, drive on, impel.” In English, compel means “to force, or oblige someone to do something.” It refers to using force, threats, pressure or overwhelming persuasion to make someone act in a certain way against their initial wishes or intentions.
Examples in Context
There are several examples of the word “compel” used in bible verses (Matthew 5:41, Luke 14:23, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 2:14). Looking at the contexts helps understand its meaning better.
- In Matthew 5:41, Jesus says: “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Here, compel refers to a Roman soldier forcing a Jew to carry his equipment for a legally allowed distance of 1 mile.
- In Luke 14:23, the master tells his servant: “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” Here, compel does not mean forcefully bringing people against their will. Rather, it refers to strongly urging and persuading them to accept the invitation.
So while compel can mean to force someone, it also carries the meaning of strongly persuading and urging.
Relation to God’s Sovereignty
In theology, the sovereignty of God refers to His supreme authority and rule over all things. God has the power and right to govern creation as He determines. This relates closely to the concept of compel.
Though God is sovereign, He does not force anyone against their will to follow or obey Him. As demonstrated in Luke 14:23, God compelling us means He passionately urges, prompts and draws us through the Gospel message and work of the Holy Spirit.
But He ultimately gives us a choice to accept or reject His invitation of salvation through faith in Christ (John 6:44, Revelations 22:17).
However, after we place our faith in Christ, God promises to complete the work He begins in us (Phillipians 1:6). He gives us a new heart that willingly chooses to love and obey God. In this way, His sovereignty compels and moves us from within towards Christ-likeness.
Old Testament Usages and Examples
Compelling Circumcision (Joshua 5)
In Joshua 5, after the Israelites had entered the Promised Land, God commanded Joshua to circumcise all the Israelite males who had been born in the wilderness. This was necessary because circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with Israel, but it had been neglected during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness (Joshua 5:2-8).
Joshua obeyed and compelled the circumcision of the people before they could celebrate Passover in the new land.
This shows that the leaders of Israel had the authority to compel the people to obey God’s commands for covenant obedience. Circumcision was non-negotiable for being part of Israel.
Compelled to Return Ark (1 Samuel 6)
In 1 Samuel 6, after the Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant in battle and were afflicted with tumors, they were eager to return the Ark to Israel. Their priests and diviners told them they must return it with guilt offerings to the Lord.
So the Philistine leaders compelled their people to prepare a new cart with offerings to send back the Ark (1 Samuel 6:3-12).
This demonstrates that Philistine authorities could compel their people to take certain actions, even actions that may have seemed against their national interests, such as returning plunder taken in warfare. But the leaders recognized the necessity of obeying the Lord’s commands.
Compelled to Build Temple (1 Chronicles 22)
In 1 Chronicles 22, King David was preparing for his son Solomon to succeed him and build the Temple. In verses 2-4, David compelled the resident foreigners in Israel to quarry the stones for building the Temple. He provided materials and assigned tasks in order to compel the Temple’s construction.
This shows kings in Israel had the power to compel their people, even foreigners living in the land, to complete national projects commanded by God like building the Temple. David used his authority to make sure the Temple was built.
New Testament Usages and Examples
Compelling Discipleship (Matthew 14)
In Matthew 14, after Jesus feeds the five thousand, he compels his disciples to get into a boat while he dismisses the crowds. Even though the disciples were willing followers of Jesus, he still directed and guided them in specific ways to fulfill God’s purposes.
This shows that compel can refer to strong guidance and direction of disciples by Jesus.
Compelling Faithfulness (2 Corinthians 5)
In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul says “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” Here, Christ’s love compels Paul and other believers to live faithful lives in service to him. His love moves them to action.
This shows how God’s love can compel Christians toward greater faithfulness and obedience.
Compelled to Preach Gospel (1 Corinthians 9)
In 1 Corinthians 9:16, Paul says “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” Paul feels an irresistible urge from God to preach the gospel at all costs.
Even though it led to suffering for Paul, he was compelled by God to spread the good news of Christ.
As these examples show, compel in the New Testament often refers to God’s strong guidance, motivation, and direction to follow his will. Through love, necessity, and spiritual urging, Christ compels his disciples and followers toward acts of service, obedience, and mission.
What We Can Learn from ‘Compel’ in Scripture
God’s Sovereignty and Power
The word “compel” is used in several instances in the Bible to demonstrate God’s supreme authority and ability to orchestrate events. For example, in Matthew 14:22, Jesus compels his disciples to get into a boat while he went to pray alone.
This shows Jesus’ divine power to direct his followers’ actions. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul says “Christ’s love compels us” – highlighting how God’s love motivates and pushes Christ-followers to live accordingly.
God’s sovereignty is highlighted when he compels individuals or groups to follow his will, such as compelling Saul’s conversion in Acts 26:14. Overall, the biblical usage of “compel” emphasizes that God is ultimately in control.
Our Dependence on God’s Grace
Human inability and dependence on God’s grace are also demonstrated through “compel” in the Bible. In Luke 14:23, a man compels guests to come to a banquet, representing God inviting people into his kingdom. Yet no one can come unless God draws them (John 6:44).
This shows our reliance on God’s compelling grace for salvation. Furthermore, the parable of the Good Samaritan shows that external religious duty does not necessarily compel loving action – instead, God’s transformative grace must captivate our hearts (Luke 10:25-37).
Overall, “compel” in the Bible highlights that while God extends invitation, only his grace can stir us to respond.
Compassion and Urgency in Evangelism
There are also important evangelistic implications seen through compelled conversion stories. The clearest example is Paul, who persecuted Christians but then was compelled by Christ to instead preach the gospel (Galatians 1:15-16).
This demonstrates God’s unlimited grace and the fact that anyone can be saved. Paul later says he was compelled by Christ’s love in his evangelism, not external pressure (2 Corinthians 5:14). This shows the motivation for sharing the gospel should be love.
According to research by Barna, when Christians demonstrate compassion, nonbelievers are more compelled to listen. Therefore, urgently sharing the gospel flows out of being captivated by God’s love.
Conclusion
In summary, the word ‘compel’ as used in the Bible refers to urging, forcing, or driving someone towards a specific action or purpose. We see God compelling His people at times out of mercy, grace or to further His divine plans.
And believers are compelled from within by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their calling.
Studying compel in context gives us a greater reverence for God’s authority and a sense of urgency to follow His leading. It reminds us that all Scripture is useful for teaching and instruction for the life of faith. May this overview inspire you to dig deeper into God’s compelling Word.
