probably akin to the alternate of πίπτω (through the idea of causing to fall) or to πέτομαι (through that of causing to fly away); to scare:--frighten.
Transliteration:ptoéō
Pronunciation:pto-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma πτοέω (ptoéō, `{{G4422}}`) carries the core meaning of "to scare" or "to frighten." Its etymological roots are suggested to be akin to πίπτω (píptō, to fall) or πέτομαι (pétomai, to fly away), implying an action that causes a sudden, involuntary movement or a state of alarm. Therefore, the word denotes an inward disturbance, a sudden emotional shock that can manifest in physical reactions such as paralysis, trembling, or the urge to flee. The semantic range extends beyond mere surprise to encompass a deep unsettling of the spirit or mind, a state of being utterly unnerved or terrified.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πτοέω (ptoéō) appears twice in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, and both instances are in the passive voice, indicating that the subject *is* frightened or startled.
1. **[[Luke 21:9]]**: "And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified (μὴ πτοηθῆτε); for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
* **Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, where He describes the signs preceding His second coming. The command "do not be terrified" (an aorist passive imperative) is a direct instruction to His disciples regarding their emotional state in the face of eschatological turmoil. It acknowledges the frightening nature of the events predicted (wars, insurrections) but calls for a spiritual posture of composure and trust, rather than succumbing to panic or fear. The emphasis is on maintaining faith and perspective in the midst of global upheaval.
2. **[[Luke 24:37]]**: "But they were startled (ἔντρομοι δὲ γενόμενοι καὶ πτοηθέντες) and frightened and thought they were seeing a spirit."
* **Context:** This passage describes the disciples' reaction when Jesus suddenly appears to them after His resurrection. Their response is one of profound shock and terror. The use of πτοηθέντες in conjunction with ἔντρομοι (éntromoi, `{{G1779}}`, trembling with fear) intensifies the description of their fright. They are not merely surprised but deeply agitated and disoriented, leading them to misinterpret Jesus' physical presence as that of a ghost. This illustrates the word's capacity to describe a state of being utterly unnerved and confused by an unexpected and overwhelming encounter.
In both contexts, πτοέω describes a strong, negative emotional reaction – being terrified or startled to the point of confusion or panic. It is a state that believers are either warned against (in the face of future trials) or experience initially (in the face of the miraculous and unexpected).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Synonyms/Near Synonyms:**
* `{{G5399}}` φόβος (phóbos): General term for fear, dread, or terror. While related, πτοέω often implies a sudden, startling fright or agitation.
* `{{G1779}}` ἔντρομος (éntromos): Trembling with fear, terrified. As seen in [[Luke 24:37]], it often co-occurs with πτοέω, highlighting the physical manifestation of the inner terror.
* `{{G5015}}` ταράσσω (tarassō): To stir up, disturb, trouble, agitate. This word describes a general state of disturbance, whereas πτοέω is more specifically about fright or being startled.
* `{{G2383}}` θάμβος (thámbos): Astonishment, wonder, amazement, often with an element of fear or awe.
* **Antonyms/Opposing Concepts:**
* Peace (εἰρήνη - eirḗnē, `{{G1515}}`): The absence of disturbance, inner tranquility.
* Trust/Faith (πίστις - pístis, `{{G4102}}`): The spiritual antidote to fear, especially in the face of uncertainty or danger.
* Courage/Boldness (παρρησία - parrēsía, `{{G3954}}`): The ability to act or speak without fear.
* **Theological Connection:** The concept of πτοέω directly relates to the human response to divine revelation, eschatological events, and the challenges of faith. It highlights the natural human tendency to fear the unknown or the overwhelming, contrasting with the biblical call to trust in God's sovereignty and presence. It also distinguishes between a negative, paralyzing fear and the positive, reverential "fear of the Lord" (e.g., `{{H3374}}` יִרְאָה - yir'ah).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πτοέω is found in its portrayal of the human condition when confronted with the extraordinary, whether it be prophetic warnings of future judgment or the immediate, overwhelming reality of divine presence.
1. **The Reality of Human Vulnerability to Fear:** The occurrences of πτοέω underscore the inherent human susceptibility to fear and panic. In [[Luke 21:9]], Jesus acknowledges that the signs of the end times are indeed terrifying, yet He commands His disciples not to succumb to this natural reaction. This highlights the reality of human frailty in the face of overwhelming events.
2. **The Divine Command to Overcome Fear through Faith:** Jesus' imperative "do not be terrified" (μὴ πτοηθῆτε) in [[Luke 21:9]] is a profound theological statement. It is an exhortation to spiritual resilience and unwavering faith in God's ultimate control, even when the world appears to unravel. True discipleship involves transcending natural fear through active reliance on God's promises and His sovereign plan. This aligns with the pervasive biblical injunctions to "fear not," which are often accompanied by a declaration of God's presence and power.
3. **The Awe-Inspiring, Yet Initially Frightening, Nature of the Divine:** The disciples' reaction in [[Luke 24:37]] upon seeing the resurrected Christ demonstrates the overwhelming and often initially frightening nature of direct divine encounter for finite human beings. Their immediate response is not one of joy or recognition, but terror and misinterpretation. This illustrates how the miraculous can initially evoke fear before understanding, worship, or faith can take root. It subtly points to the need for divine revelation and explanation (which Jesus then provides) to transform such fear into faith and adoration.
### Summary
The Greek word πτοέω (ptoéō, `{{G4422}}`) describes a state of being deeply frightened, startled, or terrified, often leading to agitation or confusion. Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in Luke's Gospel, reveal significant theological insights. In [[Luke 21:9]], Jesus commands His disciples not to be "terrified" by the tumultuous signs of the end times, emphasizing the necessity of faith and steadfastness amidst global upheaval. This highlights the call to overcome natural human fear through trust in God's sovereign plan. In [[Luke 24:37]], the disciples' reaction of being "startled and frightened" upon encountering the resurrected Christ illustrates the profound and initially overwhelming nature of divine revelation for human beings, leading to an initial response of terror before understanding and faith can take root. Thus, πτοέω underscores human vulnerability to fear, the imperative for believers to exercise faith over panic, and the awe-inspiring, sometimes frightening, reality of God's direct intervention in human affairs.
TRV