The Greek adverb anankastos means "by compulsion" or "under constraint" — the opposite of willingly or freely. It appears once in 1 Peter 5:2, where Peter urges elders to shepherd the flock "not under compulsion, but willingly."
Peter's use of anankastos establishes a foundational principle of Christian leadership: ministry that is coerced is spiritually bankrupt. Elders are to shepherd willingly, not under compulsion. This mirrors the nature of God Himself, who gives freely and loves freely. When leaders minister from obligation rather than genuine love, their service becomes hollow.