συγχέω(confound)
The Greek word συγχέω (syncheō) is derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning “closely associated with,” and the verb χέω (cheō), which means “to pour out” or “to spill.” Thus, it conveys the idea of “pouring together” or “commingling.” While it is often translated as “bewildered” or “confused” due to the notion of mixing, its actual sense is one of agitation or being stirred up, rather than perplexity or bafflement.
In Acts 2:6, the devout Jews who were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost—when the Church came into existence—their interest was piqued as they gathered to investigate the sound of a mighty rushing wind emanating from the house where the disciples were meeting. They were stirred up when they heard the disciples speaking in various languages—many of which were familiar to them, as they recognized their own native tongues. As a sign to the Jews, God fulfilled His declaration that He would speak to them through the tongues of other nations (Isaiah 28:11).
After Saul’s conversion to the Church and three years in the desert being taught by Christ, he returned to Damascus, proclaiming the Lord. There, he stirred up (συγχέω) the Jews, proving that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 9:22). This agitation turned into a strong desire for them to kill Paul, which led them to involve the governor of the city in their plot. However, Paul was able to escape their plan by being lowered down the wall in a basket.
In response to the rise of Christianity in Ephesus and the decline of his business, Demetrius gathered the silversmiths and stirred up the whole city against Paul (Acts 19:24–29). As a result, the city rushed into the theater to learn what was happening; however, the assembly was agitated, as most did not understand why they were there (Acts 19:32).
Paul was warned multiple times by the Holy Spirit not to return to Jerusalem in the manner he intended, for he strongly desired to be there for the Passover. However, in his zeal, Paul went anyway. The assembly in Jerusalem had become zealous for the Law rather than living by grace (Acts 21:20). James persuaded Paul to demonstrate his continued obedience to the Mosaic Law by paying for the sacrifices of some brethren who were under a Nazirite vow—just as he was—so they could purify themselves and complete their vow (Acts 18:18; 21:24). While Paul was doing this, Jews from Asia saw him in the temple and stirred up the crowd, claiming he was seeking to defile the temple (Acts 21:27–28). The whole city rushed together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple, where they attempted to kill him (Acts 21:30). They were stopped when word reached the tribune that all of Jerusalem was in turmoil (Acts 21:31).
On the day of Pentecost, when the promised Holy Spirit came, the devout Jews were stirred up because of the incredible sign they were witnessing. This resulted in many of them believing in the resurrection of Christ and being transitioned into the Church. When Saul stirred up the Jews in Damascus, he was not trying to confound or agitate them; rather, his intent was to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. However, when Demetrius and the silversmiths in Ephesus stirred up the entire city, it was intended to cause chaos so they could use the city's leaders to cast Paul out. Although often translated in a way that implies confusion, perplexity, or bewilderment, συγχέω (syncheō) actually conveys the idea of stirring up or agitating rather than merely being troubled or baffled by a complicated situation.