ἐνοχλέω (enochleō)
enochleō
to trouble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb enochleō describes a state of being troubled, annoyed, or disturbed. Its root connects to ochlos, meaning "crowd," suggesting an image of commotion or unrest that intrudes upon peace. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, carrying a sense of physical or spiritual agitation rather than simple emotional sadness.
In Luke 6:17, the word describes how power went out from Jesus to heal the people, leaving them "troubled" or healed in their afflictions, while Hebrews 12:15 warns against a root of bitterness that may "trouble" many. The usage highlights an external force causing internal disruption, whether through divine healing energy or the corrosive influence of sin.
Translators often render this as "trouble" or "disturb," capturing the idea of a settled state being broken by outside pressure. It is not merely feeling upset, but being actively agitated by circumstances or spiritual realities that demand attention and response.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word enochleō describes a state of being actively disturbed or agitated, often by an external force rather than just internal sadness. It carries the sense of commotion intruding upon peace, whether through physical affliction or spiritual unrest. In Luke 6:18, we see this disturbance met directly by Jesus’ healing power, showing that our troubles are not beyond His reach.
Yet the New Testament also warns us about internal sources of trouble. Hebrews 12:15 cautions against a root of bitterness that can spring up and trouble many. This reminds us that while some disturbances come from outside, others grow within our hearts if we do not guard them carefully. Both instances highlight the need for vigilance and reliance on God’s grace to maintain inner peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- may trouble [you],1×
- being troubled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνοχλῇ,1×
- ἐνοχλούμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 6:18
as well as those who were troubled by unclean spirits; and they were being healed.
This verse shows Jesus’ healing power actively disturbing physical and spiritual afflictions, bringing relief to those who were troubled.
-
Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and many be defiled by it,
Here the word warns against bitterness as an internal force that disrupts community peace and defiles many people.