θορυβέω

I disturb greatly, terrify, strike with panic

Definition

θορυβέω primarily means to cause a disturbance, create an uproar, or throw into confusion. In the New Testament, it describes both external commotion and internal agitation. In Matthew 9:23 and Mark 5:39, it refers to the loud, tumultuous mourning of a crowd, which Jesus quiets. In Acts 17:5, it describes the mob action of jealous Jews who stir up the city against Paul and Silas. In Acts 20:10, after Eutychus falls from a window, Paul tells the distressed people to 'stop making an uproar' (μὴ θορυβεῖσθε), as he restores the young man to life.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels and Acts. It consistently depicts scenes of public disturbance or emotional turmoil. In the Gospels (Matthew 9:23, Mark 5:39), it describes the noisy, chaotic mourning of professional mourners. In Acts, it shifts to mob violence (Acts 17:5) and then to the panicked reaction to a tragic accident (Acts 20:10). The middle voice in Acts 20:10 ('stop being agitated') highlights the internal state of the crowd.

Etymology

Derived from the noun θόρυβος (thorybos), meaning 'noise,' 'tumult,' or 'uproar.' The verb form carries the sense of making noise or causing a disturbance. It is related to words for clamor and confusion, emphasizing disruptive sound and chaotic activity.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the contrast between human chaos and divine peace or order. Jesus' command to stop the tumult at Jairus's house (Mark 5:39) precedes his act of restoring life, demonstrating his authority over both social and spiritual disorder. In Acts, the disturbances often oppose the gospel's advance (Acts 17:5), showing the disruptive impact of the message on established systems. Paul's calming command in Acts 20:10 mirrors Christ's authority, restoring peace in a crisis.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, public mourning was often loud and demonstrative, involving hired mourners (as in Matthew 9:23). A 'θόρυβος' could refer to any public disturbance, from a riot to a panicked crowd, which was a serious concern for civic authorities seeking 'peace and security.' The word captures the social fear of uncontrolled crowd behavior.

ταράσσω (tarassō, G5015) — more often refers to inner trouble, agitation, or stirring up (e.g., John 14:1). θορυβέω focuses more on external, noisy commotion. σαλεύω (saleuō, G4531) — means to shake, agitate, or unsettle, often in a physical or metaphorical sense (e.g., Hebrews 12:27).

Word Details

Scripture References