ὀχλέω

I trouble, torment, worry

Definition

The verb ὀχλέω means to trouble, harass, or torment, often describing a state of being physically or mentally disturbed. In its two New Testament occurrences, it consistently refers to being troubled by unclean spirits or illnesses. In Luke 6:18, it describes people who were 'troubled' by unclean spirits and were healed by Jesus. In Acts 5:16, it similarly refers to those who were 'vexed' or 'tormented' by unclean spirits, and they were all healed by the apostles. The word conveys a sense of oppressive, external affliction causing distress.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in historical narrative contexts describing the healing ministry of Jesus and the early church. In Luke 6:18, it is part of a summary of Jesus's ministry to crowds who came to hear him and be healed. In Acts 5:16, it describes the afflicted people brought to the apostles in Jerusalem. In both cases, the word is used passively (ὀχλούμενοι) to describe those who are being troubled or harassed, specifically by unclean spirits or associated afflictions, and who are subsequently delivered through divine power.

Etymology

Derived from the noun ὄχλος (ochlos, G3793), meaning 'a crowd' or 'multitude.' The verb ὀχλέω literally means 'to crowd' or 'to press upon,' and by extension, 'to trouble' or 'to vex.' This development reflects the idea of being pressed or harassed as if by a tumultuous crowd. Cognates include the noun ὄχλος itself, which frequently appears in the Gospels to describe the crowds following Jesus.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the New Testament's realistic portrayal of spiritual conflict and Jesus's authority over demonic forces. The consistent use in contexts of healing and exorcism underscores that the affliction is real and oppressive, but also subject to the liberating power of Christ and his apostles. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing the active, harassing nature of demonic oppression and the comprehensive nature of Jesus's healing ministry, which addresses both physical and spiritual torment.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, illness and psychological distress were often attributed to spiritual forces. The concept of being 'troubled' or 'vexed' by unclean spirits would have been a readily understood category of affliction. The term's root connection to a pressing crowd also paints a vivid picture of the overwhelming and oppressive experience of such torment, differing from a modern, purely medical understanding of disease.

θλίβω (thlibō, G2346) — emphasizes pressing or afflicting, often with a sense of narrowing or constricting. διαπονέομαι (diaponeomai, G1278) — denotes being greatly troubled or distressed internally, often in spirit. ταράσσω (tarassō, G5015) — means to stir up, trouble, or disturb, frequently used for emotional or mental agitation.

Word Details

Scripture References