### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ektarássō**, represented by `{{G1613}}`, is defined as to **disturb wholly** or to **exceedingly trouble**. It is formed from the words ἐκ and ταράσσω. Its usage is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, which underscores its intense meaning in that singular context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G1613}}` is used within a formal accusation to describe severe civil disruption. The instance occurs in the book of Acts, when men brought Paul and Silas before the city's rulers, stating, "These **men**, being **Jews**, do **exceedingly trouble** our **city**" [[Acts 16:20]]. The use of **ektarássō** here elevates the charge from a simple nuisance to a claim of fundamental subversion of the public order, a serious matter brought before the **magistrates**.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of the accusation in [[Acts 16:20]] is illuminated by several related Greek words:
* `{{G4755}}` **stratēgós** (magistrate): This term refers to the civil or military authorities to whom the complaint was made. These officials had the power to command and punish, as seen when the **magistrates** ordered the apostles to be beaten [[Acts 16:22]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): This identifies the domain that was allegedly being troubled. The **city** represented a place of established order, making the charge of disrupting it a grave one [[Matthew 5:14]].
* `{{G2453}}` **Ioudaîos** (Jew): This word is used to frame the identity of the accused, highlighting a cultural and religious distinction. The term is central to understanding that salvation is of the **Jews** [[John 4:22]], but it was also used here as part of an accusation.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1613}}` is tied to the disruptive nature of the gospel clashing with worldly systems.
* **Conflict of Kingdoms:** The charge of troubling an earthly **city** `{{G4172}}` points to the tension between worldly structures and those representing a spiritual kingdom. Believers are described as belonging to a heavenly **city**, the new Jerusalem [[Hebrews 12:22]], and their values can inherently conflict with secular society.
* **Identity as a Point of Contention:** The accusation explicitly mentions that the men are **Jews** `{{G2453}}`, showing how religious identity can be leveraged to portray individuals as a source of social instability [[Acts 16:20]].
* **Perceived Subversion:** The very meaning of **ektarássō**, to disturb wholly, shows that the gospel's message was not seen as a minor disagreement but as a foundational threat to the established order, a perception serious enough to be brought before **magistrates** `{{G4755}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1613}}` **ektarássō** is a powerful word used to describe total disruption. Though it appears only once, its context in [[Acts 16:20]] is profoundly illustrative. It captures how the message of the apostles was perceived by the established authorities as an existential threat that did **exceedingly trouble** their society. This single use demonstrates the inevitable conflict that arises when the transformative truth of God's kingdom confronts the powers of the world.
TRV