ταράσσω

tarássō /tar-as'-so/ Ask about this word
Rootof uncertain affinity
Meaningto stir or agitate (roil water)
KJV usagetrouble.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word tarássō, represented by G5015, means to stir or agitate. It is used in scripture to convey the idea of being troubled. It appears 20 times across 17 unique verses, describing a range of disturbances from the literal roiling of water to the deep agitation of a person's heart, soul, or spirit.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G5015 is used to describe several types of agitation. It can refer to a physical stirring, as when an angel troubled the water at the pool of Bethesda John 5:4. More frequently, it denotes an internal emotional or spiritual turmoil. The disciples were troubled when they saw Jesus walking on the sea, thinking he was a spirit Matthew 14:26. Similarly, King Herod was troubled upon hearing news from the Magi Matthew 2:3. The word is also used to describe the disruptive influence of false teachers, who trouble believers with erroneous doctrines that would pervert the gospel (Galatians 1:7, Acts 15:24).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the context of being troubled:

  • G5401 phóbos (alarm or fright): This is often a direct consequence of being troubled. When Zacharias saw the angel, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him Luke 1:12. Believers are encouraged not to be afraid of their terror, nor be troubled 1 Peter 3:14.
  • G1168 deiliáō (to be timid): This word is used alongside tarássō as a state to be avoided. Jesus commands his followers, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" John 14:27.
  • G3344 metastréphō (to pervert, turn): This action is linked to those who cause trouble. In Galatians, those who trouble the church are also trying to pervert the gospel of Christ Galatians 1:7.
  • G1261 dialogismós (reasoning, thought): Inner turmoil is often accompanied by anxious thoughts. Jesus asked the disciples, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?" Luke 24:38.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5015 is significant, particularly in its contrast with divinely given peace.

  • The Command Against Inner Turmoil: Jesus repeatedly commands His followers, "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1, John 14:27). This is presented not as a suggestion but as an imperative linked directly to belief in Him and His Father, and as a result of receiving the peace He gives.
  • The Agitation of False Doctrine: The term is used to describe the spiritual chaos caused by teachings that deviate from the gospel. Those who trouble the church are said to subvert souls Acts 15:24 and will face judgment Galatians 5:10.
  • The Humanity of Christ: Jesus himself experiences this state. He was troubled in spirit just before announcing his betrayal John 13:21, and his soul was troubled as he contemplated his coming suffering John 12:27. This demonstrates his profound empathy and shared human experience.

Summary

In summary, G5015 is a powerful word that captures a state of agitation, whether of water, a community, or the human soul. It describes the natural human reaction to fear, grief, and the unknown, as seen in the disciples, Herod, and even Christ himself. Ultimately, its use in scripture highlights a fundamental choice for the believer: to live in a state of being troubled by the world or to accept the unshakable peace that comes through faith in Christ.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 17 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Passive Imperative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in John (7 verses).

2
Matthew
1
Mark
2
Luke
7
John
2
Acts
2
Galatians
1
1 Peter

Verse Explorer

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