Lexical Summary ektarassó: To disturb greatly, to agitate, to trouble intensely. Original Word: ἐκταράσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to agitate, throw into confusionFrom ek and tarasso; to disturb wholly -- exceedingly trouble. see GREEK ek see GREEK tarasso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and tarassó Definition to throw into great trouble NASB Translation throwing...into confusion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1613: ἐκταράσσωἐκταράσσω; post-classical; to agitate, trouble, exceedingly: τήν πόλιν, Acts 16:20. (τόν δῆμον, Plutarch, Coriol. 19, and the like often in Dion Cass. Psalm 17:5 Topical Lexicon Overview The Greek verb found at Strong’s 1613 conveys the idea of being thrown into commotion or uproar. In the single New Testament occurrence (Acts 16:20), it is applied to the charge that Paul and Silas were “throwing our city into turmoil”. Although rare in form, the concept it expresses—public agitation stirred up by the advance of the gospel—recurs throughout Scripture and church history. Textual Occurrence Acts 16 records Paul’s second missionary journey in Philippi. After the deliverance of a slave girl from a spirit of divination, her owners drag Paul and Silas before the city officials, accusing them of creating civic unrest: “They brought them to the magistrates and said, ‘These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil’” (Acts 16:20). The language captures the civic leaders’ fear of social instability and Roman reprisal. It also highlights how the gospel confronts entrenched economic and spiritual strongholds, provoking opposition that is then framed as a public-order issue. Historical Context Philippi was a Roman colony governed by duumviri who prized order and loyalty to Rome. Any disturbance threatened imperial favor and the privileges of colonia status. By casting the missionaries as agitators, the slave owners leveraged civic anxiety for personal gain. This strategy mirrors earlier tactics: Across redemptive history, faithful proclamation regularly exposes idolatry and social injustices, and opponents respond by depicting God’s servants as destabilizers. Theological Significance 1. The Gospel’s Disruptive Power When the kingdom of God advances, it dislodges sinful structures. Deliverance of the slave girl cut a profitable but exploitative income stream (Acts 16:19). The resulting hostility illustrates Jesus’ warning, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division” (Luke 12:51). Although the messengers seek reconciliation and peace with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), opponents misconstrue their ministry as civic sedition. Believers should not be surprised when motives are maligned, for “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Paradoxically, accusations of disturbance often create platforms for greater witness. The Philippian magistrates’ injustice leads to an earthquake, the conversion of a jailer, and the planting of a vibrant church (Acts 16:25-34; Philippians 1:3-5). Practical Ministry Implications • Expect Cultural Pushback: Modern proclamation that challenges economic exploitation, sexual immorality, or religious pluralism may be branded as socially disruptive. Faithful servants hold fast to truth while maintaining blameless conduct (1 Peter 2:12). Related Concepts and Synonyms While this particular verb appears only once, its root idea (“to trouble” or “to agitate”) surfaces in: These passages demonstrate that disturbance may stem from divine activity, demonic deception, or human sin; discernment is essential. Examples of Constructive Disturbance • Pentecost: The crowd is “bewildered” (Acts 2:6) yet three thousand are saved. God often shakes communities so that what is unshakable remains (Hebrews 12:26-27). Warnings Against Unnecessary Turmoil Scripture distinguishes between righteous disturbance and fleshly quarrels. Paul commands believers to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) and forbids “foolish controversies” (Titus 3:9). Stirring strife for personal agendas contradicts the gospel witness. Conclusion Strong’s 1613 encapsulates the unintended civic upheaval that can accompany genuine gospel ministry. Though the world may brand Christ’s messengers as agitators, God uses such moments to advance His kingdom, rescue the oppressed, and display the surpassing peace found only in Jesus Christ. Followers today stand ready to bear similar reproach, confident that every shaking ultimately serves the redemptive purposes of God. Forms and Transliterations εκτάξαντα εκταρασσουσιν εκταράσσουσιν ἐκταράσσουσιν εκτάσει εκτάσσοντα εκτεταγμένοι εκτεταγμένων εξετάραξάν ektarassousin ektarássousinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |