A Greek adverb meaning necessarily, of necessity, by compulsion. From epi (upon) and ananke (necessity/compulsion). Used only in Acts 15:28 in the Jerusalem Council's decree: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements."
The Jerusalem Council's use of epanankes — "necessary requirements" — marks one of the most critical moments in the early church's self-understanding. The council refused to impose the full burden of Mosaic law on Gentile converts, recognizing that salvation is by grace alone. The few requirements named (avoiding food sacrificed to idols, blood, strangled animals, and sexual immorality) were practical accommodations for Jewish-Gentile table fellowship. The phrase "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" is a model of Spirit-led discernment in community — the Spirit narrows what is truly necessary, freeing believers from unnecessary burdens.