from a derivative of ἀνίστημι (in the sense of removal); properly, to drive out of home, i.e. (by implication) to disturb (literally or figuratively):--trouble, turn upside down, make an uproar.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀναστατόω (anastatóō, `{{G387}}`) is derived from a compound form related to ἀνίστημι (anistemi, `{{G450}}`), which means "to stand up" or "to raise." However, ἀναστατόω carries a distinct and more forceful connotation. Its base definition points to the act of "driving out of home" or "causing to stand up out of place." This core meaning extends to "disturbing," "agitating," "turning upside down," or "making an uproar." The term implies a significant disruption of an existing order or state, whether literally (physical displacement, creating a riot) or figuratively (causing social, political, or religious unrest). It describes an active, often negative, and impactful intervention that subverts stability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀναστατόω (anastatóō, `{{G387}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, primarily in the book of Acts, consistently depicting a significant disturbance or subversion:
* **[[Luke 23:5]]**: In the trial of Jesus, the chief priests and scribes accuse Him before Pilate, stating, "He stirs up (ἀναστατοῖ) the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place." Here, the accusation is that Jesus' teaching and ministry are causing widespread social and religious agitation, challenging the established order and authority.
* **[[Acts 17:6]]**: When Paul and Silas preach in Thessalonica, their opponents drag Jason and some other believers before the city authorities, shouting, "These who have turned the world upside down (ἀναστατώσαντες τὴν οἰκουμένην) have come here also." This vivid declaration highlights the profound, disruptive impact the Gospel message had on pagan society, challenging idolatry, social hierarchies, and the prevailing worldview.
* **[[Acts 21:38]]**: The Roman commander in Jerusalem asks Paul, "Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion (ἀναστατώσας) and led four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?" This refers to a historical figure who led a literal, violent insurrection, demonstrating the term's use for outright sedition and political upheaval.
* **[[Acts 24:5]]**: Tertullus, the orator prosecuting Paul before Felix, accuses him, saying, "For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition (πρωτοστάτην τῆς τῶν Ναζωραίων αἱρέσεως, καὶ ἀναστατοῦντα) among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." Here, Paul is branded as someone who actively causes unrest and rebellion, particularly through his leadership of the Christian movement, which was perceived as a dangerous sect by the Jewish authorities.
In each instance, ἀναστατόω describes an action perceived as threatening to existing power structures—whether religious, social, or political—due to the profound changes or challenges it initiates.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀναστατόω (anastatóō, `{{G387}}`) intersects with several related terms and concepts:
* **ἀνίστημι (anistemi, `{{G450}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to stand up" or "to raise." While ἀνίστημι can be neutral or positive (e.g., resurrection), ἀναστατόω specifically denotes causing something to "stand up *out of place*" or "be disturbed."
* **θόρυβος (thorubos, `{{G2351}}`)**: "Uproar," "commotion," "tumult." While ἀναστατόω describes the *action* of causing such a state, θόρυβος refers to the *resultant noise and confusion*.
* **στάσις (stasis, `{{G4714}}`)**: "Standing," but also "division," "dissension," "insurrection," "rebellion." This term often describes the state of conflict or rebellion that ἀναστατόω might initiate or exacerbate.
* **ταράσσω (tarassō, `{{G5015}}`)**: "To trouble," "disturb," "agitate." Similar in meaning to ἀναστατόω, but perhaps less intense in its implication of a complete upheaval or subversion.
* **Ἐγείρω (egeirō, `{{G1453}}`)**: "To raise up," "awaken." While it shares the "raising" aspect, it lacks the disruptive or unsettling connotation of ἀναστατόω.
The common thread among these related words is the concept of disturbance or disruption, but ἀναστατόω uniquely emphasizes the active, intentional, and often widespread nature of causing something to be "turned upside down" or driven from its established position.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of ἀναστατόω (anastatóō, `{{G387}}`) in the New Testament, particularly in relation to Jesus and the early Christian movement, carries profound theological significance. It reveals that the Gospel, by its very nature, is a disruptive force to the fallen world's status quo.
1. **The Kingdom's Subversion of Worldly Order**: The message of the Kingdom of God, centered on Christ's Lordship and radical transformation, inherently challenges human-centric systems, idolatry, and sinful structures. When Jesus was accused of "stirring up" the people, it was because His teaching exposed hypocrisy and called for a new way of living that threatened the religious and political establishments.
2. **The Gospel as a Catalyst for Change**: The claim that Paul and Silas "turned the world upside down" is not an exaggeration but a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. It uprooted deeply ingrained pagan practices, social injustices, and false beliefs, leading to a reordering of lives and communities according to divine principles. This "disturbance" is not chaotic for chaos' sake, but a necessary upheaval to bring about true order and righteousness.
3. **Persecution as a Sign of the Gospel's Impact**: The accusations against Jesus and Paul show that the "disturbance" caused by the Gospel often leads to opposition and persecution. Those who benefit from the existing order will naturally resist the message that threatens their power or comfort. Thus, being accused of "turning things upside down" becomes a mark of the Gospel's genuine, penetrating influence, rather than a sign of its failure.
4. **Divine Purpose in Disruption**: While the world perceives the Gospel's impact as sedition or rebellion, from a divine perspective, this "turning upside down" is part of God's redemptive plan. It is the process by which the old, corrupt order is challenged and replaced by the values and realities of His eternal Kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀναστατόω (anastatóō, `{{G387}}`) fundamentally signifies the act of displacing, disturbing, or turning something upside down, often with implications of causing rebellion or sedition. Its occurrences in the New Testament consistently portray the profound and often disruptive impact of Jesus and the early Christian movement. Jesus was accused of "stirring up" the people, and the apostles were said to have "turned the world upside down" through their proclamation of the Gospel. This word highlights that the Kingdom of God, by its very nature, challenges and subverts the established norms and values of the fallen world. While perceived as a threat by worldly powers, this "disturbance" is, in fact, a divinely purposed transformation, demonstrating the radical and transformative power of God's truth to reorder lives and societies according to His righteous will.
TRV