### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G5017 (τάραχος, *tárachos*) is derived from the verb G5015 (ταράσσω, *tarassō*), which means "to stir up," "to trouble," or "to agitate." As a noun, τάραχος denotes the *result* or *state* of being stirred up or troubled. Its core meaning encompasses a "disturbance," "agitation," or "tumult," particularly in a public or collective sense. It signifies a state of commotion, disorder, or unrest, often implying a popular uprising or a significant disruption of peace and order. Unlike the verb, which describes the action of causing trouble, τάραχος refers to the ensuing state of disarray or the uproar itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5017 (τάραχος) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 12:18]]**: "Now when it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter."
In this context, τάραχος describes the intense agitation and confusion among Herod's soldiers after Peter's miraculous escape from prison. The phrase "no small stir" (οὐκ ὀλίγος τάραχος, *ouk olígos tárachos*) emphasizes the considerable degree of disturbance and alarm that gripped the guards. Their responsibility was to secure the prisoner, and his disappearance represented a grave failure, likely punishable by death. The "stir" here is not merely a quiet concern but a palpable state of disarray, frantic questioning, and perhaps fear of Herod's wrath, leading to an immediate and urgent investigation. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the word's capacity to convey a significant, even tumultuous, disruption of an established order.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation to G5017 (τάραχος) is its root verb, G5015 (ταράσσω, *tarassō*), meaning "to trouble," "to stir," or "to agitate." While τάραχος is the resulting state of disturbance, ταράσσω describes the action that causes it, whether physical (e.g., the stirring of water in [[John 5:4]], [[John 5:7]]), emotional (e.g., Jesus's spirit being troubled in [[John 11:33]], [[John 13:21]]), or social (e.g., stirring up the people in [[Acts 17:8]], [[Acts 17:13]]).
Other related Greek terms that convey aspects of disturbance or unrest include:
* G2351 (θόρυβος, *thórybos*): "a tumult, an uproar, a noisy crowd." This word often emphasizes the sound and commotion of a disturbance, such as the uproar after the riot in Ephesus ([[Acts 20:1]]). While τάραχος focuses on the state of agitation, θόρυβος highlights the audible manifestation.
* G4714 (στάσις, *stasis*): "a standing, standing still; a dissension, insurrection, sedition." This term denotes a more severe form of public unrest, often involving rebellion or civil strife, as seen in [[Acts 19:40]] or [[Luke 23:19]]. A τάραχος could potentially escalate into a στάσις.
* G5016 (ταραχή, *tarachē*): This is another noun form derived from G5015 (ταράσσω), also meaning "trouble," "agitation," or "disturbance." It is used, for example, in [[Mark 13:8]] to describe "troubles" (commotions/disorders) as signs of the end times. While semantically very close to τάραχος, ταραχή (feminine) appears more frequently and can refer to a broader range of disturbances, from personal anxiety to public unrest.
τάραχος thus specifically captures the sense of a significant, often unexpected, popular or collective agitation that disrupts normalcy.
### Theological Significance
Though G5017 (τάραχος) appears only once, its singular occurrence in [[Acts 12:18]] carries significant theological weight. The "stir" among Herod's soldiers underscores the profound impact of divine intervention on human affairs. Peter's miraculous liberation from an impregnable prison, orchestrated by an angel, completely baffled and agitated the human authorities. The τάραχος is a powerful testament to the impotence of human power, security, and planning when confronted with God's sovereign will and miraculous action. It highlights the disruptive nature of God's work in a world resistant to His purposes.
More broadly, the concept of "disturbance" or "tumult" in the biblical narrative often serves as a backdrop against which God's order and peace are revealed. The world, alienated from God, is often characterized by τάραχος—social unrest, political upheaval, and personal anxiety. In contrast, the peace offered by Christ ([[John 14:27]]) stands in stark opposition to such turmoil. The τάραχος in Acts 12, while a negative state for the guards, ultimately serves the divine purpose of advancing the gospel by freeing Peter. Thus, even human disturbance can be an instrument in God's overarching plan.
### Summary
The Greek word G5017 (τάραχος, *tárachos*) precisely describes a state of significant disturbance, agitation, or tumult, typically involving a group or public setting. Derived from the verb G5015 (ταράσσω, "to stir up"), it denotes the resulting commotion or disarray. Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Acts 12:18]], vividly portrays the "no small stir" among Herod's guards following Peter's miraculous escape, emphasizing their profound confusion and alarm. This singular usage powerfully illustrates how divine intervention can create unexpected and overwhelming τάραχος among those who oppose God's will, ultimately serving to advance His sovereign purposes.
TRV