The Greek anagkē (ἀνάγκη) means necessity, compulsion, or constraint — what must be done by the nature of things, by moral obligation, or by divine appointment. It can also denote distress, calamity, or dire need (Luke 21:23). The word covers both the inner compulsion of divine calling and the outer pressure of tribulation. Paul uses it extensively to describe his preaching obligation and the sufferings of the apostolic ministry.
Paul's declaration "Anagkē is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16) is one of the most powerful statements about divine calling in Scripture. The apostle is not preaching for reward — he is preaching because he must. The anagkē of divine compulsion overrides any consideration of personal benefit or cost. This is the mark of genuine calling: not voluntary service for which one expects compensation, but inescapable obligation laid by God. Paul also uses anagkē for the necessity of conscience (Romans 13:5) and the eschatological distress that will precede the end (Luke 21:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:7) — anagkē shapes both vocation and suffering.