### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **akatastasía**, represented by `{{G181}}`, denotes **instability** or **disorder**. It is defined as "instability, i.e. disorder:--commotion, confusion, tumult." The term appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. It consistently describes a state of upheaval, whether in a social context like **commotions** and **tumults** or a spiritual and relational context like **confusion**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G181}}` is used to describe various forms of disorder. It can refer to societal upheaval, as seen in Luke's account where Jesus warns of "wars and **commotions**" before the end [[Luke 21:9]]. Paul also lists **tumults** among the many hardships he endured for the sake of the ministry [[2 Corinthians 6:5]]. The term is also used to describe disorder within the church community. Paul admonishes the Corinthians by stating that "God is not the author of **confusion**, but of peace" [[1 Corinthians 14:33]] and later expresses his fear of finding **tumults** among them [[2 Corinthians 12:20]]. James connects internal attitudes to external chaos, noting that where envying and strife exist, there is **confusion** [[James 3:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the nature and context of `{{G181}}`:
* `{{G1515}}` **eirḗnē** (peace): Often presented as the direct opposite of confusion, it means "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity". God is described as the author of **peace**, not confusion [[1 Corinthians 14:33]].
* `{{G2052}}` **eritheía** (strife): Identified as a direct cause of confusion, its definition is "properly, intrigue, i.e. (by implication) faction". Where there is **strife**, confusion follows [[James 3:16]].
* `{{G2205}}` **zēlos** (envying): This term, meaning "jealousy... or an enemy, malice," is another root cause of disorder. James explicitly states that where **envying** and strife are, there is confusion [[James 3:16]].
* `{{G5337}}` **phaûlos** (evil): This word for "wicked" is presented as the direct result of instability. James warns that confusion is accompanied by "every **evil** work" [[James 3:16]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{G181}}` carries significant theological weight, particularly regarding the nature of God and the life of the believer.
* **Opposition to God's Nature:** Scripture presents **confusion** as antithetical to the character of God. He is explicitly identified as the author of **peace** `{{G1515}}`, not confusion, which is a defining principle for order within the churches [[1 Corinthians 14:33]].
* **A Fruit of Sinful Human Nature:** The state of **confusion** or **tumult** is not random but is presented as a direct result of sinful inner attitudes. It arises from sources like **envying** `{{G2205}}` and **strife** `{{G2052}}` within human hearts [[James 3:16]], as well as from behaviors like **debates** `{{G2054}}`, **backbitings** `{{G2636}}`, and **whisperings** `{{G5587}}` [[2 Corinthians 12:20]].
* **Manifestation of a Fallen World:** The term is used to describe the state of the world apart from divine peace. Jesus prophesies that "wars `{{G4171}}` and **commotions**" will mark the instability of the world [[Luke 21:9]]. This disorder is shown to result in "every **evil** `{{G5337}}` work" [[James 3:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G181}}` **akatastasía** is a potent biblical term for disorder that spans from internal church **tumults** to broader societal **commotions**. It is not merely a state of disarray but is theologically framed as the consequence of sinful attitudes like strife and envy, and it stands in direct opposition to the **peace** that characterizes God's nature and His will for His people. Its presence is a sign of instability and a catalyst for evil works.
TRV