### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θορυβέω (thorybéō, `{{G2350}}`) derives directly from the noun θόρυβος (thorybos, `{{G2351}}`), which denotes "a noise, clamor, tumult, or uproar." Consequently, the core meaning of θορυβέω is "to be in a state of tumult or commotion," or actively, "to cause such a state." Its semantic range extends to:
* **Active Sense:** To disturb, to create a loud noise or clamor, to stir up a crowd, to incite an uproar, or to trouble someone. This often implies a deliberate act of disruption.
* **Middle/Passive Sense:** To be disturbed, to be agitated, to be in a state of confusion or disquiet, to make a fuss, or to "trouble oneself" (i.g., to be overly concerned or anxious).
The word carries connotations of disorder, lack of peace, public disturbance, and sometimes, intense emotional distress. It points to a situation where calm and order are absent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of θορυβέω in the New Testament illuminate its various nuances:
* **Noisy Lamentation:** In the Synoptic Gospels, θορυβέω describes the loud and chaotic mourning rituals surrounding a death.
* In [[Matthew 9:23]], Jesus encounters a "crowd making a commotion" (τὸν ὄχλον θορυβούμενον) at the ruler's house, referring to the noisy lamentation for the deceased girl.
* Similarly, in [[Mark 5:39]], Jesus asks, "Why are you making a commotion (θορυβεῖσθε) and weeping?" addressing the mourners at Jairus's house. Here, the word highlights the intense, public expression of grief, which Jesus then transcends with His power.
* **Causing Public Uproar/Riot:** In the book of Acts, θορυβέω is used to describe the intentional incitement of civil unrest against the apostles and their message.
* [[Acts 17:5]] vividly portrays the hostile reaction in Thessalonica: "But the Jews, becoming jealous... formed a mob and set the city in an uproar (ἐθορύβουν)." This usage clearly indicates active agitation and the creation of violent public disturbance.
* **Calming Distress:** In one significant instance, the verb is used in a prohibitive sense, urging calm.
* After Eutychus falls from a window, Paul says, "Do not be alarmed (μὴ θορυβεῖσθε), for his life is in him" ([[Acts 20:10]]). Here, θορυβεῖσθε refers to the agitated, distressed, or panicked reaction of the onlookers, which Paul seeks to quell. This demonstrates the word's capacity to describe internal or emotional disquiet, not just external noise.
These contexts reveal θορυβέω as a dynamic term, applicable to both external, audible disturbances and internal, emotional turmoil, often in response to significant events or in opposition to the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding θορυβέω includes words that describe various forms of disturbance, agitation, and their effects:
* **θόρυβος (thorybos, `{{G2351}}`):** The direct root noun, meaning "uproar, tumult, noise." The verb is a verbalization of this state.
* **ταράσσω (tarassō, `{{G5015}}`):** To trouble, stir up, agitate, often referring to mental or emotional perturbation. Shares semantic space in causing distress.
* **σύγχυσις (synchysis, `{{G4784}}`):** Confusion, tumult, disorder. This noun describes the state that θορυβέω often creates.
* **συγχέω (syncheō, `{{G4783}}`):** To pour together, to confuse, to throw into confusion. This verb is closely related to the outcome of θορυβέω.
* **ἀναστατόω (anastatoō, `{{G387}}`):** To stir up, to upset, to cause to revolt. Often used in Acts in contexts similar to θορυβέω regarding public unrest.
* **κινέω (kineō, `{{G2795}}`):** To move, stir up. Can be used in the sense of stirring up trouble.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** Concepts of peace (εἰρήνη, eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`), quietness (ἡσυχία, hēsychia, `{{G2271}}`), and order (τάξις, taxis, `{{G5010}}`) stand in stark contrast to the tumult implied by θορυβέω.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of θορυβέω are noteworthy, particularly in its portrayal of human reactions to the divine and the nature of opposition to God's work.
* **Disruption of Divine Peace:** In the presence of Christ, θορυβέω often signifies a human response that is out of alignment with God's perfect will and power. Jesus's calming of the "commotion" at Jairus's house ([[Mark 5:39]]) underscores His authority over human grief and the reality of death, demonstrating that His presence brings a peace that transcends earthly turmoil.
* **Opposition to the Gospel:** A prominent theological theme is the use of θορυβέω to describe the often violent and chaotic opposition faced by the early church. The "uproar" instigated by opponents of the Gospel (e.g., [[Acts 17:5]]) illustrates the disruptive nature of truth to established worldly systems and the fierce resistance it can provoke. This highlights the spiritual warfare inherent in the spread of the Kingdom of God.
* **Human Frailty and Emotionality:** The word captures the raw, sometimes uncontrolled, emotional responses of humanity—whether it's the wailing of mourners or the panic of a crowd. It implicitly points to the human tendency towards chaos, fear, and distress when confronted with the unknown, the tragic, or the challenging.
* **Call to Peace and Order:** By depicting scenes of tumult, the biblical narrative implicitly calls believers to embody peace and order. The New Testament consistently exhorts Christians to live quiet lives, avoid causing unnecessary disturbances, and pursue peace with all people ([[Romans 12:18]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:11]]). The "uproar" serves as a stark foil to the *shalom* (peace) that God desires for His people and for the world.
### Summary
Thorybeō (`{{G2350}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to be in tumult," "to make a commotion," or "to disturb," stemming from the noun thorybos (`{{G2351}}`). Its usage in the New Testament spans from describing noisy lamentation at a death ([[Matthew 9:23]], [[Mark 5:39]]) to the active incitement of civil unrest and riots against the Gospel message ([[Acts 17:5]]). It can also denote an internal state of being troubled or agitated, as seen when Paul calms those distressed by Eutychus's apparent death ([[Acts 20:10]]). Theologically, thorybeō frequently marks moments of human disorder, emotional distress, and active opposition to divine purposes. It serves to highlight the disruptive nature of sin and human rebellion, while simultaneously contrasting with the profound peace, order, and calming presence that Christ offers and that His followers are called to manifest in a chaotic world.
TRV