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 word **anastatóō**, represented by `{{G387}}`, describes the act of causing a major disturbance. Derived from a word meaning "removal," its base definition is to properly drive someone out of their home, and by implication, to **trouble**, **turn upside down**, or **make an uproar**. It appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently pointing to significant agitation or upheaval.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Acts, `{{G387}}` is used to describe the profound impact of the early church. Opponents in Thessalonica accuse Jason and the brethren of harboring men who have "**turned** the **world upside down**" [[Acts 17:6]], highlighting the disruptive power of the gospel message on the established order. The word is also used by a Roman tribune who mistakes the Apostle Paul for an Egyptian revolutionary who had previously "**madest an uproar**" by leading four thousand murderers into the wilderness [[Acts 21:38]]. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul uses the term to condemn false teachers, expressing his wish that those who "**trouble**" the church would be cut off [[Galatians 5:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and consequence of the disruption caused by **anastatóō**:
* `{{G3625}}` **oikouménē** (world): This is the sphere of influence being disturbed. In [[Acts 17:6]], the apostles are accused of turning the entire **world** upside down. The term refers to the land or, more specifically, the Roman empire.
* `{{G4607}}` **sikários** (murderer): This word reveals the violent nature of the uproar Paul was accused of starting. In [[Acts 21:38]], the Egyptian rebel is said to have led four thousand **murderers**, defined as dagger-men or assassins, into the wilderness.
* `{{G609}}` **apokóptō** (cut off): This shows the severity of the spiritual disturbance. Paul wishes that those who "trouble" the Galatians would be **cut off**, a term meaning to amputate or mutilate, underscoring the danger they pose to the body of Christ [[Galatians 5:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G387}}` is seen in how it frames the conflict between God's kingdom and the world.
* **The Gospel as Upheaval:** The accusation that Christians have "**turned** the **world upside down**" [[Acts 17:6]] is, ironically, a testament to the gospel's power. It challenges and subverts worldly systems, values, and authorities.
* **The Danger of Spiritual Disturbance:** Paul's use of the word for false teachers who "**trouble**" believers [[Galatians 5:12]] highlights the critical importance of doctrinal purity. Such disturbances are not minor disagreements but serious threats to the spiritual well-being of the church.
* **Misunderstood as Sedition:** The association of `{{G387}}` with political insurrection, as when Paul is accused of having "**madest an uproar**" [[Acts 21:38]], demonstrates how worldly powers can misinterpret spiritual transformation as a threat to their stability.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G387}}` is a potent word that signifies more than a simple disturbance. It captures the essence of radical, transformative impact, whether it is the perceived chaos of the gospel entering a city, the destructive influence of false doctrine within the church, or a violent political revolt. The word illustrates that the introduction of divine truth into a fallen world inevitably creates an uproar, turning existing structures upside down.
TRV