Divine Peace: ταραχή (Strong’s G5016: tarachē) Overcomes Worldly Chaos

Strong’s G5016: A noun meaning “disturbance, upheaval, trouble,” ταραχή describes both physical agitation and social unrest. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of healing waters and end-time turmoil, highlighting divine power amid chaos.

U- Unveiling the Word

ταραχή represents disturbance and upheaval in both physical and spiritual realms. In its New Testament contexts, it appears in both the healing waters of Bethesda and the apocalyptic discourse, showing how divine power works through and transcends earthly turmoil. The term carries profound significance in expressing how God uses disruption for healing while also warning of end-time upheaval. The early church recognized this dual aspect – God’s power manifesting in troubled waters and His sovereignty over world chaos. Today, it continues to remind believers that divine purpose can work through disruption while offering stability amid increasing turmoil.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταραχή, tarachē, /ta-ra-KHAY/
• Phonetic Guide: “ta” as in “father,” “ra” as in “raw,” “khay” as in “hay”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• From ταράσσω (tarassō) – verb meaning “to trouble”
• -η (-ē) – feminine noun suffix indicating state or condition

D – Defining Meanings

• Disturbance
• Upheaval
• Agitation

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derived from ταράσσω with abstract noun suffix -η

Translation Options:

• Disturbance – emphasizes disruption
• Agitation – captures physical movement
• Trouble – broader application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ταράσσω (tarassō) /ta-RAS-so/ – “to trouble” as verb
  See G5015
• θόρυβος (thorubos) /THOR-u-bos/ – “tumult, uproar”
  See G2351

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Varies (Nominative, Genitive, etc.)
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

As a feminine noun, it follows first declension patterns. In English translations, it appears as “disturbance” or “trouble” with appropriate articles and possessive forms.

• Cross-references: ταράσσω (tarassō) – “to trouble”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ταραχή’s range of application from physical agitation to social upheaval. Thayer’s traces its development from water disturbance to broader concepts of turmoil. LSJ documents extensive use in classical Greek for both natural and social disruptions. Vine’s highlights its appearance in both healing and eschatological contexts. Strong’s connects it to the basic concept of stirring or agitation. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in papyri describing various forms of disturbance in daily life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
John 5:4: “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the [ταραχήν] troubling of the water stepped in was made whole.”

Additional References:
Mark 13:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ταραχή powerfully illustrates how God works through and transcends earthly disturbance. Whether in healing waters or end-time tumult, this word reveals divine purpose amid chaos. The good news shines through as we see that God can use disturbance for healing while also providing stability in times of upheaval. It reminds us that while the world experiences increasing turmoil, the Messiah remains Lord over every disruption.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient healing sanctuaries often featured “troubled” waters considered therapeutic.
2. The term was used in both medical and military contexts in classical literature.
3. Early church writers connected the Bethesda “troubling” with baptismal waters.

Strong’s G5016: A noun meaning “disturbance, upheaval, trouble,” ταραχή describes both physical agitation and social unrest. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of healing waters and end-time turmoil, highlighting divine power amid chaos.

Part of speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: disturbance, upheaval, healing, divine power, troubled waters, end times, turmoil, Bethesda, apocalyptic signs, chaos​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​