from the base of θροέω; a disturbance:--tumult, uproar.
Transliteration:thórybos
Pronunciation:thor'-oo-bos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term θόρυβος (thórybos `{{G2351}}`) fundamentally denotes a "disturbance." Its etymological root, connected to θροέω (throeō), which means "to trouble, disturb, frighten, or terrify," imbues θόρυβος with an inherent sense of agitation, disquiet, or even alarm. The semantic range of θόρυβος encompasses:
* **Tumult or Uproar:** This is the most common and direct meaning, referring to a noisy, confused, or disorderly state, often involving a crowd or multitude.
* **Commotion or Agitation:** A general state of unrest, excitement, or disturbance, whether internal to a group or external in a public setting.
* **Disorder or Confusion:** The antithesis of peace, tranquility, and proper order.
* **Lamentation or Wailing:** Specifically, the noisy and demonstrative expression of grief, particularly in contexts of mourning or death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θόρυβος appears several times in the New Testament, consistently conveying a sense of disruption or agitation:
* **Mourning and Lamentation:** In [[Mark 5:38]], θόρυβος describes the loud wailing and lamentation at the house of Jairus following his daughter's death. Here, it signifies the noisy expression of profound grief, a disturbance born of sorrow.
* **Fear of Public Uproar:** Both [[Matthew 26:5]] and [[Mark 14:2]] record the chief priests' and elders' concern that arresting Jesus during the feast would cause a θόρυβος among the people. This highlights the potential for public unrest, a mob reaction, or a riot that they wished to avoid.
* **Agitation and Commotion:** [[Acts 12:18]] uses θόρυβος to describe the "no small stir" that arose among the soldiers after Peter's miraculous escape from prison. This denotes the agitation, confusion, and frantic search that followed the unexpected event.
* **Public Unrest and Riots:**
* In [[Acts 19:23]], θόρυβος refers to the initial "stir" or agitation that arose in Ephesus concerning "the Way" (Christianity), which quickly escalated into the well-known riot.
* [[Acts 20:1]] explicitly states that Paul departed from Ephesus "after the **uproar** was ceased," referring directly to the conclusion of the violent public disturbance described in Acts 19.
* [[Acts 21:34]] depicts the chaotic scene in Jerusalem where a mob attempted to lynch Paul. The tribune could not discern the truth "for the **tumult**," indicating a loud, confused, and disorderly crowd.
* **Absence of Disturbance:** In [[Acts 24:18]], Paul, in his defense before Felix, asserts that he was found in the temple "neither with multitude, nor with **tumult**." Here, θόρυβος signifies a public disturbance or a riotous gathering, and Paul denies having caused such a commotion, emphasizing his peaceful conduct.
Across these contexts, θόρυβος consistently portrays a state of disorder, whether born of grief, fear, or opposition, often involving a crowd and characterized by noise and confusion.
### Related Words & Concepts
θόρυβος exists within a semantic field of words related to disorder, conflict, and societal unrest:
* ταραχή (tarachē `{{G5016}}`): "trouble, disturbance," often implying emotional agitation or external commotion. While similar, ταραχή can be more internal or less overtly noisy than θόρυβος.
* στάσις (stasis `{{G4714}}`): "a standing," but also "a dissension, sedition, insurrection, riot." στάσις often implies a more organized or deliberate act of rebellion, whereas θόρυβος can be a more spontaneous or chaotic eruption. θόρυβος might precede or accompany στάσις.
* ἀκαταστασία (akatastasia `{{G179}}`): "instability, disorder, confusion," often used in a broader sense, including ethical or eschatological "commotions."
* ὄχλος (ochlos `{{G3793}}`): "a crowd, multitude." θόρυβος frequently arises from or is associated with the uncontrolled actions of an ὄχλος.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:** θόρυβος stands in stark contrast to concepts like εἰρήνη (eirēnē `{{G1515}}`, "peace"), ἡσυχία (hēsychia `{{G2271}}`, "quietness, tranquility"), and εὐταξία (eutaxia `{{G2103}}`, "orderliness, good arrangement").
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of θόρυβος in the New Testament carry several theological implications:
* **The World's Resistance to God's Kingdom:** θόρυβος often characterizes the opposition and chaotic response of the fallen world to the truth of the Gospel and the advance of God's kingdom. The Ephesian riot (Acts 19-20) is a prime example, where idolatry and economic interests fueled a violent θόρυβος against Paul's ministry. This highlights humanity's propensity for disorder and rebellion when confronted with divine truth.
* **Human Fear and Irrationality:** The desire to avoid θόρυβος (Matthew 26:5) influenced the Sanhedrin's decision-making regarding Jesus' arrest, revealing human fear of public backlash rather than adherence to justice. The chaotic θόρυβος in Jerusalem (Acts 21:34) underscores the irrationality and confusion that can grip a mob driven by prejudice and misinformation.
* **God's Order vs. Human Disorder:** God is consistently presented as a God of peace and order (cf. [[1 Corinthians 14:33]]). The pervasive presence of θόρυβος in the world thus serves as a stark reminder of humanity's departure from God's intended harmony and the consequences of sin.
* **The Christian's Posture Amidst Chaos:** Believers are called to live peaceably and orderly, avoiding giving cause for θόρυβος (Acts 24:18). The early church often faced θόρυβος from external forces, demonstrating their steadfastness and reliance on God amidst persecution and unrest.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Human Chaos:** Despite the θόρυβος of human opposition or sorrow, God's purposes prevail. Jesus' power to quiet the θόρυβος of mourning (Mark 5:38) with the miracle of resurrection points to a divine authority that ultimately transcends and overcomes all earthly disturbances.
### Summary
θόρυβος (thórybos `{{G2351}}`) is a potent Greek term in the New Testament, signifying a "disturbance" that ranges from noisy lamentation to widespread public unrest and violent uproar. Rooted in a sense of agitation and even fright, it frequently describes the chaotic, confused, and often hostile reactions of the world to the person and message of Jesus Christ and His apostles. The term vividly portrays the disorder, irrationality, and opposition inherent in fallen humanity's response to divine truth. Theologically, θόρυβος stands in stark contrast to the peace and order of God, serving as a powerful descriptor of the world's resistance to His kingdom and a reminder of the need for divine intervention to bring true tranquility amidst human chaos.
TRV