ἀναστατόω (anastatoō)
anastatoō
to cause trouble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anastatoō describes the act of stirring up trouble or causing significant unrest. Its root suggests removing something from its settled place, much like displacing a foundation. In the New Testament, it carries a strong sense of agitation, whether in political spheres or within religious communities.
This word appears in three key passages, highlighting two distinct contexts. In Acts 17:6 and 21:38, it describes mobs inciting civil disorder or sedition against established authority. Conversely, in Galatians 5:12, Paul uses it metaphorically to describe those who disrupt the church’s peace by spreading false teaching. The common thread is a forceful disturbance of stability.
Translators often render anastatoō as "trouble," "stir up," or "unsettle." The term implies more than mere disagreement; it points to a chaotic disruption that threatens order. Whether referring to rioters in Thessalonica or agitators in Galatia, the word emphasizes the destructive impact of actions that shake people from their settled convictions or civic peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anastatoō paints a vivid picture of life being shaken from its foundations. It describes more than simple disagreement; it captures the chaos that follows when people actively stir up trouble, whether in city streets or within church walls. This unrest threatens the peace and stability that communities rely on to thrive.
For your faith, this word serves as a sobering reminder of the value of unity. The New Testament highlights how destructive such agitation can be, showing that causing division hurts both civic order and spiritual health. Instead of seeking to unsettle others, we are called to build up what is solid and true.
When you encounter conflict or false teaching, remember that peace is a precious gift worth protecting. Let your life reflect the stability found in Christ, offering a calm presence in a world that often feels like it is turning upside down. May you find strength in standing firm for truth without adding to the noise.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- upsetting1×
- having upset1×
- having led a revolt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναστατώσας1×
- ἀναστατώσαντες1×
- ἀναστατοῦντες1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:6
When they didn’t find them, they dragged Jason and certain brothers before the rulers of the city, crying, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
This verse shows the word used to describe a mob accusing believers of turning the world upside down, highlighting the severe civic unrest caused by their mission.
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Galatians 5:12
I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.
Paul uses this term here to express his frustration with those who are disturbing the Galatian church through false teachings, emphasizing the spiritual damage of such agitation.
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Acts 21:38
Aren’t you then the Egyptian who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?”
The Roman commander identifies Paul as an agitator, using this word to link him to a leader who stirred up sedition and led thousands into the wilderness.