Lexical Summary ochleó: To trouble, to disturb, to annoy Original Word: ὀχλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to trouble, afflictFrom ochlos; to mob, i.e. (by implication) to harass -- vex. see GREEK ochlos HELPS Word-studies 3791 o 3791/o [3791 (oxléō) is literally "having the effect of an uncontrolled mob" which brings its overwhelming confusion (disturbance).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ochlos Definition to disturb, trouble NASB Translation afflicted (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3791: ὀχλέωὀχλέω, ὄχλῳ: present passive participle ὀχλουμενος; (ὄχλος); properly, to excite a mob against one; (in Homer (Iliad 21, 261) to disturb, roll away); universally, to trouble, molest (τινα, Herodotus 5, 41; Aeschylus, others); absolutely, to be in confusion, in an uproar (3Macc. 5:41); passive to be vexed, molested, troubled: by demons, Luke 6:18, R G L (where T Tr WH ἐνοχλούμενοι — the like variation of text in Herodian, 6, 3, 4); Acts 5:16; Tobit 6:8 (7); Acta Thomae § 12. (Compare: ἐνοχλέω, παρενοχλέω.) Topical Lexicon Concept and ImageryThe verb translated “troubled” in Acts 5:16 evokes the picture of people pressed, vexed, or harassed beyond ordinary illness. It signals an oppression that overwhelms its victims—bodily, mentally, and spiritually—so that relief demands more than ordinary medical care. Behind the word stands the notion of a multitude crowding upon someone, then by extension the inward crushing brought about by disease or demonic influence. New Testament Setting: Acts 5:16 “Crowds gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.” (Acts 5:16) The single New Testament occurrence appears amid Luke’s description of the Jerusalem church’s earliest days. Multitudes converge on the apostles after the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, sensing that God is uniquely present among His people. Individuals “tormented by unclean spirits” represent the most desperate cases—people whose affliction cannot be explained merely in physical terms. Luke classifies them with “the sick,” yet distinguishes their need: they require liberation from spiritual bondage. Continuity with Jesus’ Ministry Luke’s earlier Gospel records that Jesus “healed all their diseases” and freed those oppressed by demons (Luke 4:40–41; 8:2). Acts 5:16 shows that the risen Christ continues the same work through His apostles. The identical pattern—public proclamation, authenticating miracles, and deliverance from evil powers—confirms that salvation in Christ is holistic, addressing both body and soul. Theological Significance 1. Demonstration of the Kingdom The event fulfills Jesus’ promise that His followers would do “greater works” (John 14:12). Healing the “troubled” reveals the in-breaking of the kingdom of God, where no rival power can ultimately stand. 2. Verification of Apostolic Authority Luke’s wording underscores that every afflicted person was healed. Such comprehensive success verifies the apostles as authorized witnesses of the resurrection (Hebrews 2:3–4). 3. Warfare against Unclean Spirits Scripture portrays unclean spirits as personal, malevolent beings that seek to destroy (Mark 5:1–13). Their defeat at the hands of the apostles demonstrates Christ’s supremacy and anticipates their final judgment (Revelation 20:10). Historical and Pastoral Implications Early Church Fathers testify that prayer and exorcism remained part of Christian ministry for centuries, always tethered to the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 5:16 supplies a template: • The afflicted are brought into the believing community. Pastorally, the passage reminds the Church to reckon with spiritual oppression as a present reality and to approach it through prayer, the Word, and the authority of Jesus’ name. Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Holistic Care The Lord cares for the whole person. Modern ministry should likewise integrate compassion for physical suffering with concern for spiritual bondage. 2. Corporate Faith The miracles occur in a context of unified, prayerful believers (Acts 4:31). Deliverance ministry is safest and most effective within accountable community life rather than isolated individualism. 3. Christ-Centered Focus Neither Peter’s shadow nor any ritual had inherent power; healing flowed from Christ working through surrendered servants. True ministry resists fascination with techniques and keeps the spotlight on the Savior. Summary The lone New Testament use of the verb behind “tormented” in Acts 5:16 encapsulates early apostolic ministry: meeting overwhelming human need with the overwhelming authority of the risen Christ. It affirms that gospel proclamation and compassionate power encounter are not competing callings but complementary strands of the same redemptive mission. Forms and Transliterations οχληρίαν οχλούμενοι οχλουμενους οχλουμένους ὀχλουμένους ochloumenous ochlouménousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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