Lexical Summary diatarassó: To disturb thoroughly, to agitate greatly, to trouble deeply. Original Word: διαταράσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance trouble. From dia and tarasso; to disturb wholly, i.e. Agitate (with alarm) -- trouble. see GREEK dia see GREEK tarasso HELPS Word-studies 1298 diatarássō (from 1223 /diá, "through, to the limit," intensifying 5015 /tarássō, "trouble, stir up") – properly, acutely distressed, "through and through" (note the force of the prefix, dia); greatly disturbed; "agitate greatly (Latin perturbare)" (Abbott-Smith), intensely going back-and-forth (to-and-fro) between inner thoughts and emotions (used only in Lk 1:29). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and tarassó Definition to agitate greatly NASB Translation very perplexed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1298: διαταράσσωδιαταράσσω, or διαταράττω: 1 aorist passive διεταραχθην; to agitate greatly, trouble greatly, (Latinperturbare): Luke 1:29. (Plato, Xenophon, others.) Topical Lexicon Biblical occurrence The verb appears once in the Greek New Testament, Luke 1:29: “But she was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” Context in Luke 1:29 Luke situates the term at the very doorway of the Incarnation narrative. The angel Gabriel greets Mary with a declaration of divine favor, and her immediate reaction is not unbelief but inner agitation—an intense, reverent disquiet in the presence of holy revelation. The verb underscores the contrast between heavenly calm and human frailty: heaven speaks peace, yet fallen humanity initially experiences disturbance until faith assimilates the message (cf. Luke 1:38). Intensity and nuance Luke could have chosen the common ταράσσω, “to trouble,” but he uses the strengthened compound to signal a disturbance that reaches the deepest recesses of the heart. It is the reaction of a person suddenly confronted with the holy (Isaiah 6:5), or with overwhelming providence (Genesis 41:8 LXX). The form is passive: the subject is acted upon by forces outside herself, emphasizing the sheer weight of divine initiative. Historical background First-century Jewish life in Galilee was marked by social, political, and religious tension under Roman occupation. Annunciations in Scripture often occur to persons in lowly circumstances—Gideon threshing wheat, David in the pasture, Zechariah in priestly service. Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, embodies Israel’s faithful remnant waiting for consolation (Luke 2:25). Her turmoil therefore reflects Israel’s larger longing and anxiety prior to Messiah’s arrival. Relationship to broader Scriptural themes 1. Holy fear accompanying revelation: Exodus 3:6; Daniel 10:7-9; Matthew 28:4. Mary’s agitation yields quickly to obedient trust, illustrating the biblical pattern that initial fear is meant to drive people toward dependence on the Lord rather than away from Him. Theological reflection The unique occurrence highlights a key motif in Luke—reversal. The lowly maiden responds more faithfully than the priest Zechariah, whose lesser verb ταράσσω (Luke 1:12) is coupled with doubt. Mary’s deeper disturbance paradoxically leads to stronger faith. Scripture consistently portrays true piety not as stoic detachment but as humble trembling that culminates in surrender (Philippians 2:12-13). Pastoral and ministry applications 1. Authentic encounters with God’s Word may initially unsettle. Preaching should not shy away from truths that shake complacency, trusting that the Spirit will move hearers from disturbance to devotion. Related passages for reflection Luke 24:37-39 – the risen Christ calms the terrified disciples. Acts 16:29-34 – the jailer’s fear gives way to joy in salvation. Hebrews 12:18-24 – from trembling at Sinai to confidence at Zion. Summary Strong’s Greek 1298 marks the profound shaking of the soul when the kingdom of God breaks in. Mary’s moment of holy disquiet opens the Gospel era, teaching that sanctified disturbance is often the womb of obedient faith and joyful service. Forms and Transliterations διεταραχθη διεταράχθη dietarachthe dietarachthē dietaráchthe dietaráchthēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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