παρενοχλέω

I trouble

Definition

The verb παρενοχλέω means to cause trouble, disturbance, or annoyance, often in a way that imposes an unnecessary burden or hardship on someone. It carries the sense of harassing or pestering someone, creating an unwelcome imposition. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 15:19, it is used by James to argue that Gentile converts should not be 'troubled' or burdened with the full weight of the Mosaic law beyond a few essential requirements, highlighting a concern for not overloading new believers.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 15:19, within the critical context of the Jerusalem Council. James uses it to describe the act of imposing unnecessary religious burdens—specifically the full yoke of the Mosaic law—on Gentile believers. The usage is decisively negative, advocating for a pastoral approach that avoids harassing or troubling new converts with non-essential requirements, thereby promoting unity and grace within the early church.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition παρά (para, meaning 'beside' or 'alongside') and the verb ἐνοχλέω (enochleō, meaning 'to trouble,' 'annoy,' or 'disturb'). The prefix παρά can intensify the meaning, suggesting trouble that is brought 'alongside' or added on. It is related to the simpler verb ὀχλέω (ochleō, 'to crowd' or 'disturb'), which connects to the idea of causing a mob-like disturbance or pressure.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it appears in the pivotal debate over law and grace in Acts 15. James's use of παρενοχλέω argues against legalism and for a gospel of grace that does not overwhelm new believers with unnecessary burdens. It underscores a key principle of Christian freedom and pastoral sensitivity, teaching that the church should not harass people with added requirements beyond the core truths of the faith. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the early church's conscious effort to distinguish between essential doctrine and burdensome tradition.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'troubling' someone often had social and legal dimensions, relating to harassment or vexatious litigation. In the Jewish context of Acts 15, the specific 'trouble' in view was the immense cultural and religious burden of adopting the entire Mosaic law, including circumcision and dietary rules, which would have been a nearly insurmountable barrier for Gentile converts. James's argument reflects a culturally aware, missional mindset seeking to remove unnecessary obstacles to faith.

θλίβω (thlibō, G2346) — to press, oppress, or afflict, often with a sense of external pressure or persecution. ταράσσω (tarassō, G5015) — to stir up, disturb, or trouble, often internally (e.g., troubling one's heart or peace). ἐνοχλέω (enochleō, G1776) — to trouble or annoy, the root verb without the intensive prefix.

Word Details

Scripture References