ὀχλέω
ochléō
G3791 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To trouble, disturb, or harass, especially through the pressure or agitation of a crowd; to cause inconvenience or distress by persistent actions. In specific contexts, can refer to being beset by a group or to feeling overwhelmed by the presence or demands of others. The primary sense is to subject someone to disturbance, frequently connected to the presence of a group or multitude.
Semantic Range
to trouble or disturb (especially by a crowd), to inconvenience or harass, to beset or press upon, to cause anxiety or unrest, to vex
Root / Etymology
ὀχλέω is derived from ὄχλος ('crowd', 'multitude') and the verbal suffix -έω, giving the sense 'to treat as a crowd does' or 'to act in the manner of a crowd (toward someone)'. The formation links the root meaning of ὄχλος ('crowd') with the action of causing disturbance or trouble.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine and later Greek, ὀχλέω generally describes the action of causing trouble or unrest, particularly as a result of collective action or pressure. While the root ὄχλος simply means 'crowd' or 'multitude', the verb emphasizes the effect a crowd may have in creating disorder, inconvenience, or anxiety. In New Testament contexts, it often appears in narratives where an individual is harassed, disturbed, or inconvenienced by a group, sometimes in the sense of being mobbed or pressured. Traditional English translations sometimes use 'vex' or 'trouble', but such terms may understate the collective or social aspect implied in the Greek. The word is relatively rare in classical sources but more typical in post-classical and Koine usage, reflecting social realities of crowded urban environments or public agitation. Related verbs include ταράσσω ('to disturb, agitate'), but ὀχλέω uniquely foregrounds disturbance from a crowd or multitude.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὄχλος; to mob, i.e. (by implication) to harass:--vex.
Root Family
ὀχλέω (ochleō) — to trouble, disturb, harass, press upon
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3791-01 |
ὀχλουμένους | ochloumenous | V PRS PASS PTCP ACC M PL |
tormented | those being harassed | those being tormented | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3791-01 |
Acts 5:16 | ὀχλουμένους | ochloumenous | V PRS PASS PTCP ACC M PL |
tormented | those being harassed | those being tormented |