from to wail; to clamor, i.e. (by implication) to frighten:--trouble.
Transliteration:throéō
Pronunciation:thro-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θροέω (throéō, `{{G2360}}`) derives from a root meaning "to wail" or "to clamor," suggesting an initial association with loud, agitated vocalizations, often expressing distress or lament. From this primary sense of "to clamor," the word develops an important secondary and implied meaning: "to frighten," "to alarm," or "to trouble." In the New Testament, throéō is predominantly used in the passive voice, signifying the state of being troubled, agitated, or frightened in one's mind or spirit. It describes an internal disturbance, a mental or emotional state of alarm rather than a physical act of wailing. The semantic range thus extends from a noisy expression of distress to the internal experience of being deeply disturbed or terrified.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θροέω appears four times in the New Testament, consistently in the passive voice, highlighting the experience of being troubled or alarmed:
* **[[Matthew 24:6]]** and **[[Mark 13:7]]**: In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus warns His disciples concerning the signs of the end times, particularly wars and rumors of wars. He instructs them, "See that you are not troubled" (μὴ θροεῖσθε). The context here is a caution against panic or undue alarm in the face of global unrest. It signifies a call to steadfastness and faith, rather than succumbing to fear and agitation over events that are part of God's sovereign plan.
* **[[Luke 24:38]]**: Following His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples, who are terrified and think they are seeing a spirit. Jesus asks them, "Why are you troubled (τεταραγμένοι, also `{{G5015}}` 'troubled' and θροεῖσθε) and why do doubts arise in your hearts?" Here, throéō describes the disciples' internal confusion, fear, and agitation stemming from their disbelief and inability to grasp the reality of the resurrection. Jesus' question challenges their spiritual perception and calls them to faith.
* **[[2 Thessalonians 2:2]]**: Paul writes to the Thessalonians, urging them "not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled (μηδὲ θροεῖσθαι), either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come." This passage addresses false teachings and anxieties regarding the timing of the Day of the Lord. throéō here refers to being mentally agitated, alarmed, or confused by erroneous eschatological interpretations. Paul's admonition emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine to prevent spiritual and emotional distress.
In all occurrences, throéō denotes an internal state of being disturbed, agitated, or frightened, often in response to external events or deceptive information, and is consistently used in a prohibitive or questioning context that calls for peace and faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
θροέω shares semantic space with several other Greek words related to fear, disturbance, and peace:
* `{{G5015}}` (tarassō): "to trouble," "to stir up," often implying a more general disturbance, whether physical or emotional. In [[Luke 24:38]], tarassō is used in parallel with throéō, suggesting a close conceptual link between a general state of being troubled and the specific agitation implied by throéō.
* `{{G5399}}` (phobeō): "to fear," "to be afraid." While phobeō is a more general term for fear, throéō often describes the specific agitation or alarm that accompanies such fear, particularly in response to unsettling news or events.
* `{{G1790}}` (emphobos): "terrified," "frightened." This adjective describes the state of being filled with fear, which can be the result of being throéō.
* Antonymously, θροέω stands in contrast to concepts of peace (`{{G1515}}` eirēnē), calmness, and steadfastness in faith. The call "be not troubled" implies a call to spiritual composure and trust in God's sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The recurring use of θροέω in the New Testament carries significant theological weight, particularly in contexts of eschatology and spiritual discernment.
1. **Trust in Divine Sovereignty**: Jesus' command "be not troubled" in the Olivet Discourse underscores the imperative for believers to maintain faith and composure amidst the chaos of world events. It is a call to recognize God's ultimate control over history, preventing panic and anxiety even in the face of wars and rumors of wars.
2. **Faith Over Fear**: In [[Luke 24:38]], Jesus challenges the disciples' troubled hearts, highlighting the tension between human fear and the reality of divine power (the resurrection). The word points to the human tendency to doubt and fear when confronted with the miraculous or the unexpected, and Jesus' query serves as an invitation to move beyond agitation into a deeper faith.
3. **Spiritual Discernment**: Paul's use in [[2 Thessalonians 2:2]] emphasizes the critical role of sound doctrine in preserving spiritual and mental peace. Being troubled by false teachings about the Day of the Lord demonstrates the vulnerability of believers to deception. The antidote is adherence to apostolic teaching, which grounds the believer and prevents unwarranted alarm.
4. **Inner Peace in Christ**: Ultimately, the repeated exhortation not to be troubled reflects a core Christian theological principle: the peace offered by Christ transcends worldly anxieties. While external circumstances may provoke fear, the believer is called to an inner state of peace rooted in their relationship with God, confident in His presence and promises. It is a reminder that true peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ amidst it.
### Summary
θροέω (throéō, `{{G2360}}`) is a Greek verb that has evolved from an original meaning of "to wail" or "to clamor" to primarily signify "to be troubled," "to be agitated," or "to be frightened" in the New Testament. Used exclusively in the passive voice, it describes an internal state of mental or emotional disturbance. Its occurrences in the Gospels (in the Olivet Discourse and post-resurrection appearance) and in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians consistently serve as warnings against panic, fear, and spiritual agitation. The word highlights the human tendency to be alarmed by unsettling events or false information, and conversely, the divine call to steadfast faith, inner peace, and sound discernment in the face of such challenges. throéō thus encapsulates a significant theological message: believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty and truth, allowing His peace to guard their hearts and minds against the troubles of the world and deceptive teachings.
TRV