ἀκαταστασία (akatastasia)
akatastasia
disorder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun akatastasia describes a state of instability or confusion, rooted in the idea of something that cannot be settled or established. It conveys a sense of upheaval that disrupts order, whether in a social, moral, or physical context. The word appears five times in the New Testament, often highlighting situations where peace is replaced by chaos.
Its usage spans both public and private spheres. In Luke 21:9, Jesus warns his followers not to be terrified when wars and insurrections occur, using this term to describe the tumult of political unrest. In James 3:16, Paul’s contemporary contrasts worldly wisdom with heavenly wisdom, noting that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every vile practice. The apostle also lists it among the troubles he endures in his ministry (2 Corinthians 6:5; 12:20), suggesting a life marked by external instability.
The term’s force lies in its negation of stability. It is not merely noise, but a fundamental lack of foundation or peace. Translators typically render it as "disorder," "tumult," or "disturbance," capturing the sense of a community or individual thrown into confusion by forces beyond their control.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akatastasia describes a state of instability or confusion that disrupts order. It conveys a sense of upheaval, whether in social, moral, or physical contexts. When Jesus warned his followers about wars and insurrections in Luke 21:9, He used this term to describe the tumult of political unrest. This reminds us that external chaos is not always a sign of God’s absence but part of a larger story.
In our personal lives, this instability can feel overwhelming. Paul mentioned enduring riots and troubles in his ministry (2 Corinthians 6:5; 12:20), showing that even those who serve faithfully face upheaval. Yet, James 3:16 contrasts worldly jealousy with heavenly wisdom, noting that true peace replaces disorder. This word invites us to anchor our hearts in God’s steadiness when everything around us feels unsettled.
When life feels chaotic, remember that God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). You are invited to rest in His presence, knowing He brings order to the broken places. May you find comfort in His promise of stability, even when the world seems unstable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- riots,1×
- of disorder1×
- disorder,1×
- disorder1×
- commotions,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκαταστασίας,1×
- ἀκαταστασίας1×
- ἀκαταστασίαις,1×
- ἀκαταστασίαι,1×
- ἀκαταστασία1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 21:9
When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.”
Jesus uses this word to describe political unrest, reassuring believers that such turmoil does not mean the end is immediate.
-
James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
The verse contrasts worldly jealousy with heavenly wisdom, showing how disorder arises from selfish ambition rather than divine guidance.
-
II Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that perhaps when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire, that perhaps there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, or riots,
Paul lists riots among the troubles he fears might exist in the Corinthian church, highlighting the destructive nature of social instability.