Finding Sacred Rest: θορυβάζω (Strong’s G5182: thorybazō) Reveals Divine Peace

Strong’s G5182: From θόρυβος (tumult); to disturb, trouble or agitate. In New Testament usage, specifically describes being anxious or troubled about many things, contrasting with the peace found in focusing on the Messiah’s presence.

U – Unveiling the Word

θορυβάζω represents a state of inner turmoil and distraction, derived from the concept of external noise and confusion. In its New Testament context, particularly in the story of Martha and Mary, it carries profound theological significance about the nature of spiritual priorities and peace. The word captures the tension between worldly concerns and spiritual focus, highlighting how being “troubled about many things” can distract from what is truly essential. The early church understood this term as a warning against letting earthly concerns overshadow spiritual devotion. Today, it speaks powerfully to our culture of constant busyness and distraction.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: θορυβάζω, thorybazō, /θoɾyˈba.zɔː/
• Pronunciation: thor-oo-BAH-zoh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: θορυβ- (thoryb-) from θόρυβος meaning “tumult”
• Suffix: -άζω (-azō) indicating causative action
• Function: Forms a verb indicating the causing or creating of disturbance

D – Defining Meanings

• To be troubled or disturbed
• To be anxious about many things
• To be in a state of confusion
• To be agitated

For compound words: Not applicable as θορυβάζω is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Troubled” – Captures both internal and external disturbance
• “Distracted” – Emphasizes divided attention
• “Agitated” – Highlights emotional turmoil

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μεριμνάω (merimnaō, /me.rimˈna.ɔː/) – to be anxious See G3309
• ταράσσω (tarassō, /taˈras.sɔː/) – to stir up, trouble See G5015
• τυρβάζω (turbazō, /turˈba.zɔː/) – to trouble oneself See G5182

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Second
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples:

• Present Passive: θορυβάζομαι (I am troubled)
• Perfect Passive: τεθορύβασμαι (I have been troubled)
• Aorist Passive: ἐθορυβάσθην (I was troubled)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical sources provide rich insight into θορυβάζω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to inner disturbance and anxiety. Thayer’s highlights its relationship to external noise becoming internal turmoil. LSJ traces its development from physical disturbance to mental agitation. Vine’s notes its specific usage in Luke’s account of Martha’s distraction. Strong’s connects it to the root meaning of crowd-based confusion. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in everyday contexts of disruption and anxiety. Together, these sources paint a picture of a word that bridges external chaos and internal disturbance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 10:41: “And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled [θορυβάζω] about many things.'”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in Scripture.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

θορυβάζω powerfully illustrates the contrast between worldly anxiety and spiritual peace. In the story of Martha and Mary, it reveals how even good activities can become distractions from the better portion of sitting at the Messiah’s feet. The good news shines through as we realize that King Jesus offers an alternative to our troubled state – His peace that surpasses understanding. This word reminds us that true rest comes not from managing our troubles but from focusing on His presence.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word is related to the English term “turbulent” through a common Indo-European root
2. In ancient Greek theater, θόρυβος (the root word) referred to audience reaction
3. Early Christian monastics used this passage to advocate for contemplative prayer

Strong’s G5182: A verb depicting internal agitation and distraction, used specifically in the context of Martha’s anxiety about serving, contrasting with Mary’s focused attention on the Messiah’s teaching. Illustrates the difference between worldly concerns and spiritual priorities.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: trouble, anxiety, distraction, Martha and Mary, peace, priorities, spiritual focus, worry, inner turmoil, rest, contemplation, devotion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​