στάσις (stasis)
stasis
uprising
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun stasis describes a state of standing still or remaining in place, but in the New Testament it almost always carries a negative weight. It refers to insurrection, sedition, or civil unrest. The word appears nine times, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, where it marks moments of political or social upheaval.
In Mark 15:7 and Luke 23:19, stasis names the specific riotous condition surrounding Barabbas, framing Jesus’ trial within a backdrop of public disorder. Later, in Acts 15:2 and 23:7–10, it describes internal strife and dissension among believers or factions. This usage highlights how division can fracture communities from within, just as rebellion challenges authority from without.
Its root relates to the verb histēmi, meaning "to stand." While standing can imply stability, stasis captures the tension of opposing forces holding their ground against one another. Translators typically render it as "insurrection" or "uprising," preserving the sense of a charged, unstable situation that threatens peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word stasis describes a state of division or insurrection, often arising when opposing forces refuse to yield. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of political unrest, such as the riots surrounding Barabbas, and in internal church conflicts, like the sharp disagreements between Paul and certain believers in Acts. This usage reminds us that division is not merely a modern social issue but a persistent human struggle that can fracture communities from within.
For your faith life, this word offers a sobering perspective on unity. It highlights how easily harmony can be disrupted by pride or differing convictions. Yet, the biblical narrative does not leave us in chaos. Instead, it points to Jesus, who stands above these divisions. By focusing on Christ’s peace rather than our own standing, we can navigate conflicts with grace and seek reconciliation instead of retaliation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- insurrection3×
- of insurrection1×
- insurrections1×
- dissension,1×
- commotion1×
- a standing;1×
- a dissension1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στάσιν2×
- στάσεως2×
- στάσις1×
- στάσιν·1×
- στάσεως,1×
- στάσεις1×
- στάσει1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 15:7
There was one called Barabbas, bound with his fellow insurgents, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.
This verse uses stasis to describe the violent insurrection surrounding Barabbas, framing Jesus’ trial within a backdrop of public disorder and political tension.
-
Acts 23:7
When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.
Here, stasis depicts the sharp argument between Pharisees and Sadducees, showing how theological differences can divide even those gathered for a common purpose.
-
Acts 15:2
Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul, Barnabas, and some others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
The term highlights the significant discord in Antioch, prompting the early church to seek apostolic guidance rather than allowing division to tear the community apart.