### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G5015}}` (tarássō) fundamentally signifies "to stir," "to agitate," or "to disturb." Its primary sense, as suggested by its base definition, relates to the roiling of water, transforming it from a calm, clear state to one of turbidity or commotion. This physical agitation extends metaphorically to the human condition, encompassing a wide semantic range of emotional and psychological states. It describes an inner disturbance, a state of perplexity, fear, alarm, or profound distress. Unlike a mere superficial worry, tarássō often implies a deep unsettling of the spirit, a disquiet that can border on anguish. The "uncertain affinity" noted in its etymology suggests that its meaning is best understood through its consistent usage within the biblical text, where it vividly portrays the impact of external events or internal struggles on the human soul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{G5015}}` in the New Testament illustrate its diverse applications, moving from the literal to the deeply spiritual:
* **Physical Agitation:** In [[John 5:4]] and [[John 5:7]], the word describes the "troubling" or "stirring" of the water at the pool of Bethesda, which was believed to possess healing properties when agitated. This literal sense provides the foundational imagery for its metaphorical uses.
* **Fear and Perplexity:** tarássō frequently denotes a state of fear or alarm. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, they were "troubled" or terrified, believing Him to be a ghost ([[Matthew 14:26]], [[Mark 6:50]]). Mary, at the annunciation, was "greatly troubled" by Gabriel's greeting, pondering its meaning ([[Luke 1:29]]). Herod and all Jerusalem were "troubled" by the news of the birth of the King of the Jews, indicating political and religious apprehension ([[Matthew 2:3]]).
* **Emotional and Spiritual Distress:** The term powerfully conveys deep inner turmoil. In [[John 14:1]] and [[John 14:27]], Jesus exhorts His disciples, "Let not your hearts be troubled," addressing their anxiety and sorrow concerning His impending departure. This highlights the human tendency towards disquiet in the face of uncertainty or loss.
* **Christ's Own Anguish:** Significantly, tarássō is used to describe Jesus' own emotional state. He was "deeply moved in spirit and troubled" at Lazarus's tomb, demonstrating His profound grief and compassion in the face of death ([[John 11:33]]). Later, contemplating His impending suffering and death, He declared, "Now is My soul troubled" ([[John 12:27]]). And at the Last Supper, knowing of Judas's betrayal, He was "troubled in spirit" ([[John 13:21]]). These instances underscore Christ's full humanity and His profound identification with human suffering.
* **Trouble Caused by Others:** The word can also describe agitation caused by external influences, particularly false teaching. Paul uses tarássō to condemn those who preach a "different gospel" and "trouble" the Galatian believers ([[Galatians 1:7]], [[Galatians 5:10]]), indicating a disruptive and unsettling effect on their faith and peace.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G5015}}` intersects with several related concepts and words that further illuminate its meaning:
* **Fear and Terror:** It often appears in contexts alongside or implying `{{G5399}}` (phobos, fear) or `{{G4442}}` (ptoeō, to terrify), emphasizing the unsettling nature of the disturbance.
* **Anxiety and Worry:** While not a direct synonym for anxiety (`{{G3309}}` merimna), tarássō describes the *experience* of being anxious or worried, a state of inner disquiet.
* **Peace and Rest:** The antonym of tarássō is peace (`{{G1515}}` eirēnē) and rest (`{{G372}}` anapausis). Jesus' repeated command, "Let not your hearts be troubled," directly offers His peace as the antidote to this agitation.
* **Confusion and Disorientation:** In some contexts, the "troubling" can lead to a sense of confusion or being confounded, as seen in the disciples' reactions.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** When applied to false teachers or demonic influence, tarássō highlights the spiritual battle that can disrupt the peace and faith of believers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5015}}` is profound, touching upon human vulnerability, the nature of Christ, and the promise of divine peace.
Firstly, it underscores the **reality of human fragility and the commonality of distress**. The Bible does not shy away from portraying the depth of human fear, anxiety, and sorrow. tarássō reveals that even the most devout can experience profound inner turmoil in the face of suffering, uncertainty, or the overwhelming presence of the divine.
Secondly, the application of tarássō to **Jesus Christ Himself** is immensely significant. His moments of being "troubled in spirit" affirm His full humanity, demonstrating His capacity for genuine human emotion, grief, and anguish. This deep empathy allows Him to fully identify with our struggles, making Him a compassionate High Priest who understands our weaknesses ([[Hebrews 4:15]]). His troubled spirit before the cross also highlights the immense weight of His mission and the reality of His sacrifice.
Thirdly, the word highlights **spiritual conflict and the disruptive power of evil**. False teaching and demonic activity are depicted as "troubling" the believers, indicating their capacity to sow discord, confusion, and fear within the community and individual souls. This underscores the need for discernment and reliance on truth.
Finally, and most importantly, tarássō sets the stage for the **divine antidote of peace**. Jesus' command, "Let not your hearts be troubled," is not a dismissal of legitimate human emotion but an invitation to a deeper trust in God. It points to the peace that He alone can give, a peace that transcends worldly circumstances and is rooted in faith in His presence, power, and promises ([[John 14:27]]). This divine peace is the ultimate counter to the agitation of the human spirit.
### Summary
`{{G5015}}` (tarássō) fundamentally describes the act of stirring or agitating, moving from a literal sense of roiling water to a powerful metaphor for inner disturbance. It encompasses a wide range of human experiences, including fear, perplexity, deep emotional distress, and spiritual anguish. Its biblical occurrences reveal its application to both the general human condition and, remarkably, to Jesus Christ Himself, affirming His full humanity and profound empathy. The word also illuminates the disruptive nature of false teaching and spiritual opposition. Theologically, tarássō serves as a poignant reminder of human vulnerability, while simultaneously highlighting the transformative power of Christ's peace, which offers the ultimate antidote to the troubled heart.
TRV