τάραχος (tarachos)
tarachos
disturbance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun tarachos describes a state of disturbance or commotion, capturing both physical unrest and inner turmoil. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet each instance highlights a moment where order is disrupted by unexpected events. The word conveys a sense of agitation that ripples through a group or an individual’s mind.
In Acts 12:18, the guards experience this disturbance as they realize Peter has vanished from prison, leading to confusion and fear among the soldiers. Later, in Acts 19:23, a "great tarachos" erupts in Ephesus when Demetrius stirs up craftsmen against Paul, showing how the term can describe public uproar driven by economic or social anxiety. The sources note its connection to mental trouble as well, suggesting it is not merely external noise but internal disquiet.
This word helps readers understand the human reaction to divine intervention or social upheaval. It reminds us that even in moments of chaos, the biblical narrative often places these disturbances within a larger story of God’s movement. The term itself does not judge the cause of the trouble, but rather describes the visible and emotional impact it has on those involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like it is spinning out of control, the Bible acknowledges that confusion is a real human experience. The Greek word tarachos describes this state of disturbance, whether it is the panic of soldiers searching for a prisoner or the loud uproar of a crowd stirred up by fear. It captures the agitation that ripples through a group or settles heavily in an individual’s mind when order is suddenly disrupted.
These moments of chaos do not mean God has lost control. In Acts 12, Peter’s miraculous release caused great stir among the guards, yet it was part of God’s deliverance. In Acts 19, economic anxiety sparked a riot in Ephesus, but the early church continued to grow despite the noise. Scripture shows us that divine action often looks like disruption to those who are comfortable with the status quo.
Instead of fearing your own inner turmoil or the external noise around you, remember that God is present in the midst of the disturbance. You can find peace not by eliminating every problem, but by trusting that He is working even when things seem uncertain and chaotic.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- disturbance1×
- a disturbance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τάραχος2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:18
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
This verse shows how divine intervention can cause immediate confusion and fear among those who are supposed to maintain order.
-
Acts 19:23
About that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way.
Here the word describes a public uproar driven by economic anxiety, illustrating how social unrest can arise from perceived threats to livelihood.