### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **episýstasis**, represented by `{{G1999}}`, is defined as a conspiracy or a concourse, which can be either riotous or friendly. This word is uncommon, appearing only **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning shifts significantly with context, referring to either a tumultuous uprising or a persistent, daily pressure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{G1999}}` illustrate its dual nature. In Acts, Paul defends himself against the charge of "raising up the people" [[Acts 24:12]], where the term clearly denotes a riotous conspiracy or the incitement of a mob. In this context, it is used to describe a hostile, public disturbance. Conversely, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes "that which cometh upon me daily" [[2 Corinthians 11:28]] using the same word. Here, it refers not to a riot, but to the constant and pressing responsibility he feels, which he identifies as "the care of all the churches."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G1999}}` in its different contexts:
* `{{G3793}}` **óchlos** (a throng, rabble, riot): This word describes the "people" Paul was accused of "raising up" (`{{G1999}}`), directly linking the term to the concept of a disorderly and potentially violent crowd [[Acts 24:12]].
* `{{G1256}}` **dialégomai** (to discuss, dispute, reason with): Paul denies both "disputing" and "raising up the people," setting up a contrast between orderly discussion and the incitement of a riotous concourse [[Acts 24:12]].
* `{{G3308}}` **mérimna** (solicitude, care): This term is explicitly equated with the pressure of `{{G1999}}` in 2 Corinthians. The daily burden "that which cometh upon" Paul is defined as the pastoral "care" he holds for the churches [[2 Corinthians 11:28]].
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (assembly, church): This is the object of Paul's care in [[2 Corinthians 11:28]]. The pressure that "cometh upon" him is for the sake of the organized religious congregations, contrasting sharply with the disorganized "rabble" (`{{G3793}}`) mentioned in Acts.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G1999}}` lies in the two distinct types of pressure it describes, one external and hostile, the other internal and pastoral.
* **The Threat of Public Disorder:** In Acts, the term is used in a legal and social context, where being accused of creating an `episýstasis` was a serious charge of sedition. It highlights the volatile environment in which the early apostles ministered [[Acts 24:12]].
* **The Weight of Apostolic Responsibility:** In 2 Corinthians, the word is transformed to describe an internal, spiritual burden. The "cometh upon me" is a daily, relentless pressure born out of love and concern for the welfare of the "churches" (`{{G1577}}`), not an external threat [[2 Corinthians 11:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1999}}` is a nuanced term whose meaning is entirely dependent on its biblical context. Though used sparingly, it powerfully captures two different kinds of overwhelming pressure: the accusation of "raising up" a riotous mob and the personal, daily "coming upon" of pastoral care for all the churches. It demonstrates how a single Greek word can describe both a hostile conspiracy and a selfless, consuming responsibility.
TRV