Brief Overview of στάσις (Strong’s G4714: stasis)

Strong’s G4714: A feminine noun derived from ἵστημι (to stand), denoting position, uprising, or dissension. In New Testament usage, it primarily refers to political insurrection or social discord, though its root meaning of “standing” influences its broader semantic range in Greek literature.

U- Unveiling the Word

στάσις represents a complex concept that evolved from its basic meaning of “standing” to encompass social and political upheaval. In the New Testament, it primarily appears in contexts of civil unrest and rebellion, notably in the narrative of Barabbas and in descriptions of early church conflicts. The term carried significant political weight in the Roman world, where στάσις was seen as a threat to civil order. Early church fathers used this word to warn against both physical rebellion and spiritual discord within the church. Today, it reminds us of the tension between earthly political unrest and the peaceful kingdom of the Messiah.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στάσις, stasis, STAH-sis
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + ah (as in father) + sis (as in sister)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• From ἵστημι (histēmi) – to stand
• -σις (-sis) suffix – forms abstract nouns
• Indicates state or condition

D – Defining Meanings

• Standing, position
• Insurrection, uprising
• Discord, dissension
• Civil strife
• Faction

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Uprising” – emphasizes political aspect
• “Dissension” – highlights relational conflict
• “Standing” – reflects basic physical meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διχοστασία (dichostasia) [dee-kho-STAH-see-ah] – division, dissension – See G1370
• ταραχή (tarachē) [ta-ra-KHAY] – disturbance, tumult – See G5016
• ἀκαταστασία (akatastasia) [a-ka-ta-STA-see-ah] – instability, disorder – See G181

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στάσις (uprising)
• Genitive singular: στάσεως (of an uprising)
• Dative plural: στάσεσι (in/by uprisings)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its political and social conflict meanings. Thayer’s traces its development from physical standing. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in political contexts. Vine’s notes its use in civil disturbances. Strong’s connects it to its root meaning of standing. LEH traces Septuagint usage in conflict contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its frequent appearance in political documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 15:7: “And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the insurrection [στάσις].”

Additional References:
Luke 23:19, Luke 23:25, Acts 15:2, Acts 19:40, Acts 23:7, Acts 24:5, Hebrews 9:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στάσις reminds us of humanity’s tendency toward conflict and rebellion, while pointing to the Messiah’s kingdom of peace. It proclaims the good news that Jesus establishes a different kind of kingdom, not through insurrection but through sacrificial love. This word challenges us to seek peace and unity in Christ rather than earthly political solutions.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was used in medical texts to describe the “standing” or stagnation of fluids
• Greek political philosophers saw στάσις as the greatest threat to city-states
• Early Christian writers contrasted στάσις with εἰρήνη (peace) in describing the Kingdom of God

Strong’s G4714: A feminine noun derived from ἵστημι (to stand), denoting position, uprising, or dissension. In New Testament usage, it primarily refers to political insurrection or social discord, though its root meaning of “standing” influences its broader semantic range in Greek literature.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: rebellion, discord, conflict, insurrection, political-unrest, civil-strife, standing, position, social-disorder, rebellion, division, civil-conflict, Barabbas, Roman-history, peace​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​