συστροφή (sustrophē)
sustrophē
commotion/plot
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sustrophē describes a chaotic gathering or a secret plot, carrying the literal sense of things twisted or bound together. In Acts 19:40, it refers to a riotous crowd in Ephesus, capturing the disorder and confusion of a mob rather than an organized assembly. The word evokes a tangle of people moving with hostile intent.
Its meaning shifts slightly in Acts 23:12, where the phrase "to make a sustrophē" describes a conspiracy. Here, the "twisting together" refers to individuals binding themselves in a secret compact to harm Paul. This usage highlights how the physical image of entanglement applies to human alliances formed for deceit.
With only two occurrences, the word is rare but precise. It distinguishes between mere presence and active, often dangerous, coordination. Translators render it as "riot" or "conspiracy," depending on whether the focus is on the noisy crowd or the hidden plot.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word sustrophē paints a vivid picture of chaos or hidden plotting. In Acts 19:40, it describes the noisy confusion of a mob in Ephesus, where fear and anger twisted people into a disorderly crowd. This image reminds us that human unrest often stems from misunderstanding rather than truth.
Later, in Acts 23:12, the same word captures a secret conspiracy. A group bound themselves with a curse to harm Paul. Here, sustrophē shows how alliances can turn dark when people twist their wills against justice. It warns us that unity without truth leads only to destruction.
When we face conflict or confusion in our own lives, this word invites us to seek peace rather than join the noise. We are called to clarity and integrity, not entanglement in harmful schemes. Trusting God brings order where the world offers only turmoil.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- commotion1×
- a conspiracy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συστροφῆς1×
- συστροφὴν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 19:40
For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn’t be able to give an account of this commotion.”
The term describes the chaotic danger of a riotous crowd, highlighting how fear can twist people into disorderly action.
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Acts 23:12
When it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.
It refers to a secret binding of individuals who twisted their wills together in a harmful conspiracy against Paul.