ἐνοχλέω

I disturb, cause tumult

Definition

ἐνοχλέω means to disturb, trouble, or cause turmoil, often implying a persistent or serious disruption. In its single New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 12:15, it describes the action of a 'root of bitterness' that, when it springs up, 'causes trouble' (ἐνοχλῇ) and thereby defiles many. This suggests a meaning beyond mere annoyance, conveying a corrupting influence that actively disrupts community peace and spiritual health. The term can also carry the sense of burdening or oppressing someone, as seen in extra-biblical Greek usage, though the biblical context emphasizes spiritual and communal disturbance.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:15. It appears in a pastoral warning within a community context, urging believers to ensure no one falls short of God's grace or allows a 'root of bitterness' to spring up and cause trouble (ἐνοχλῇ), which would defile many. The usage is metaphorical, describing how sin or strife can actively disturb and corrupt a faith community, moving beyond personal annoyance to collective spiritual harm.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, 'in') and the verb ὀχλέω (ochleō, 'to disturb' or 'to trouble'), which itself comes from ὄχλος (ochlos, 'crowd' or 'multitude'). Thus, ἐνοχλέω literally means 'to trouble in' or 'to disturb within,' often implying an internal or embedded disruption. Cognates include ὄχλος (G3793), highlighting a connection to tumult or crowd-related disturbance.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illustrates the destructive power of sin within the Christian community. In Hebrews 12:15, it warns that bitterness is not merely a private failing but an active force that 'causes trouble' and defiles others, emphasizing corporate responsibility and the need for vigilance against spiritual corruption. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by revealing how interpersonal strife can have far-reaching, communal consequences, aligning with broader biblical themes of holiness and unity.

In ancient Greek culture, ὄχλος (crowd) often carried connotations of disorder or unrest, so ἐνοχλέώ would have been understood as causing serious disruption, possibly in a public or social setting. This differs from a modern, milder sense of 'annoyance,' as it implies a tangible, spreading turmoil that threatens stability, fitting the communal emphasis in Hebrews.

ταράσσω (tarassō, G5015) — to stir up, agitate, often with emotional or physical disturbance; θλίβω (thlibō, G2346) — to press, afflict, typically under external pressure or persecution; πικραίνω (pikrainō, G4087) — to make bitter, emphasizing the source of trouble as in Hebrews 12:15.

Word Details

Scripture References