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.
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.
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.
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.
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