### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαταράσσω (diatarássō), Strong's `{{G1298}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia) and the verb ταράσσω (tarassō), Strong's `{{G5015}}`. The prefix διά often serves to intensify or complete an action, indicating "through," "thoroughly," or "completely." The base verb ταράσσω means "to stir up," "to trouble," "to agitate," or "to disturb," often used metaphorically for mental or emotional disquiet.
Therefore, διαταράσσω signifies a profound, thorough, or complete disturbance. It moves beyond a superficial troubling to describe a deep internal agitation, often accompanied by alarm or profound disquiet. The semantic range points to a state where one is wholly unsettled, deeply perturbed, or inwardly shaken, rather than merely surprised or mildly perturbed. It conveys a sense of pervasive emotional or mental turmoil that permeates one's being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαταράσσω appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 1:29]]:** "But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be." (ἡ δὲ ἐπὶ τῷ λόγῳ διεταράχθη καὶ διελογίζετο ποταπὸς εἴη ὁ ἀσπασμὸς οὗτος.)
In this singular instance, the word describes Mary's reaction to the angel Gabriel's greeting ("Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."). Mary's response is not merely one of surprise or mild concern; she is "greatly troubled" (διεταράχθη). This suggests a deep, internal agitation that goes beyond simple astonishment. Her subsequent pondering ("what sort of greeting this might be") indicates that the trouble was not just fear but a profound disquiet regarding the unusual nature and implications of the angelic salutation.
This deep disturbance highlights the extraordinary nature of the divine encounter. It was not an everyday occurrence, and Mary's spirit was thoroughly stirred by the presence and words of God's messenger. The subsequent reassurance from Gabriel, "Do not be afraid, Mary" ([[Luke 1:30]]), further underscores that her "trouble" contained an element of alarm or apprehension, which the angel immediately sought to alleviate. Her reaction is portrayed as a profound, internal unsettling, fitting for a young woman confronted with such an overwhelming and unprecedented divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **ταράσσω (tarassō) `{{G5015}}`:** This is the base verb from which διαταράσσω is derived. While ταράσσω can also mean "to trouble" or "to agitate" (e.g., Jesus was troubled in spirit in [[John 13:21]], or the pool of Bethesda was troubled in [[John 5:4]]), the addition of διά in διαταράσσω intensifies the meaning, indicating a more thorough or complete agitation. The distinction lies in the depth and pervasiveness of the disturbance.
2. **φοβέω (phobeō) `{{G5399}}`:** Meaning "to fear" or "to be afraid." While Mary's "trouble" in [[Luke 1:29]] clearly had an element of alarm that prompted the angel's "Do not be afraid," διαταράσσω describes the *state of being agitated and disquieted* that might precede or accompany fear, rather than fear itself as a primary emotion. Mary's trouble was complex, involving both apprehension and deep reflection.
3. **ἐκπλήσσω (ekplēssō) `{{G1605}}`:** Meaning "to be struck with astonishment" or "to be utterly amazed." While Mary was undoubtedly astonished, διαταράσσω emphasizes the *disquieting* aspect of that astonishment, suggesting that the wonder was intertwined with a profound sense of unease or perplexity about the implications of the message.
4. **ἀγωνία (agōnia) `{{G74}}`:** Meaning "agony" or "struggle," often implying intense mental or spiritual anguish (e.g., Jesus in Gethsemane in [[Luke 22:44]]). While διαταράσσω can involve distress, it is more about the initial, pervasive unsettling triggered by an external event or message, whereas ἀγωνία typically describes a more prolonged and intense internal struggle.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of διαταράσσω in reference to Mary's reaction to Gabriel carries significant theological weight:
1. **Humanity's Response to the Divine:** It underscores the profound impact of divine encounter on the human psyche. Even a greeting from God's messenger, though bearing good news, can be so overwhelming as to thoroughly disturb and disquiet a person. This highlights the awe-inspiring, and at times unsettling, nature of God's direct interaction with humanity.
2. **Mary's Humility and Sensitivity:** Mary's deep agitation (διεταράχθη) reveals her profound sensitivity and thoughtful nature. Rather than immediately accepting the message, she is deeply troubled by its implications and ponders its meaning. This response is not one of disbelief but of a humble soul wrestling with the gravity of an unprecedented divine revelation. It sets the stage for her later characteristic of "treasuring up all these things and pondering them in her heart" ([[Luke 2:19]], [[Luke 2:51]]).
3. **The Disruptive Nature of Revelation:** God's revelation often disrupts human normalcy and comfort. The "trouble" experienced by Mary is a prelude to a radical shift in her life and in the history of salvation. It signifies that divine intervention is not a trivial matter but one that profoundly shakes and reorients human existence.
4. **The Necessity of Divine Reassurance:** The angel's immediate command, "Do not be afraid, Mary," directly addresses the internal disquiet indicated by διαταράσσω. This demonstrates God's compassion and understanding of human frailty in the face of overwhelming divine presence and purpose. It reassures the troubled heart and prepares it to receive the divine will.
### Summary
διαταράσσω (diatarássō) `{{G1298}}` denotes a deep, thorough, and pervasive internal agitation or alarm. It is an intensified form of ταράσσω (tarassō) `{{G5015}}`, emphasizing a complete unsettling of one's inner being. Its singular appearance in the New Testament, describing Mary's reaction to the angel Gabriel's greeting in [[Luke 1:29]], is highly significant. It portrays Mary as profoundly disquieted and pondering the implications of the angelic message, rather than merely surprised. Theologically, this word highlights the powerful, often unsettling, nature of divine encounters, Mary's humble and reflective character, and the divine compassion that offers reassurance in the face of profound spiritual disturbance.
TRV