διαταράσσω (diatarassō)
diatarassō
to trouble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diatarassō describes a state of being deeply agitated or troubled. It conveys more than mild concern; it suggests a significant disturbance of mind or spirit. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 1:29.
This single occurrence captures Mary’s reaction when the angel Gabriel announces she will bear the Son of God. The text notes that she was "greatly troubled" at his words and thought to herself what kind of greeting this might be. The intensity of her response reflects the overwhelming nature of such a divine message, highlighting how profound encounters can unsettle even the most faithful hearts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Mary heard the angel’s greeting, she did not remain calm. The text tells us she was deeply troubled by the words. This word for trouble suggests a shaking of the spirit, not just a momentary worry. It shows that meeting God can be unsettling. Even those who walk closely with Him may feel shaken when divine plans are revealed.
You might feel similar agitation when life changes suddenly or when prayer feels heavy. This passage reminds us that such feelings are part of faithful living. Mary did not reject the message because she was disturbed. Instead, she considered it in her heart. She held the tension between fear and wonder without rushing to a quick answer.
God meets you in your confusion. He does not demand perfect composure. Your questions and uneasy feelings are welcome before Him. Like Mary, you can hold these moments gently, trusting that the One who speaks is faithful even when His ways seem strange.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- she was troubled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεταράχθη1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:29
But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.
This verse captures the intensity of divine encounter by showing Mary's deep agitation as she processes a message that upends her ordinary life.