The Greek verb anagkazo means "to compel," "to force," or "to constrain." It comes from anagke (necessity, compulsion). It describes being driven to act by a force — whether external pressure, divine necessity, or loving urgency.
The range of contexts where anagkazo appears reveals the New Testament's nuanced understanding of divine compulsion. Sometimes the Lord drives us toward things we would not choose, for our good. In the Great Commission context, the master compels guests from the roads to fill his banquet hall — the urgency of gospel invitation. True compulsion in the kingdom is love-driven: Christ's love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).