τάραχος (G5017) — Greek Lexicon

τάραχος

tárachos

G5017 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A state of disturbance or turmoil, typically referring to confusion, unrest, or social commotion. In literary and historical contexts, can denote both internal agitation (such as emotional or psychological turmoil) and external disruption (such as civil unrest or public disorder). Includes the sense of tumult, uproar, or agitation caused by collective unrest in a group or crowd.

Semantic Range

disturbance, tumult, uproar, turmoil, agitation, disorder

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb ταράσσω ('to stir up, trouble, disturb'), with the nominal suffix -ος forming a noun indicating the act or state resulting from the verb. Cognate with ταραχή (tarachē), a feminine noun sharing a similar meaning.

Historical & Contextual Notes

While used infrequently in extant Greek literature, τάραχος in Hellenistic and Koine sources typically describes episodes of public commotion or civil disorder (e.g., political unrest, riots, or disruptions arising from collective agitation). In contrast to ταραχή, which can emphasize inner turmoil or confusion as well as public agitation, τάραχος most often refers to a more concrete external occurrence (a tumult or disturbance), especially that which interrupts civic or social order. In the New Testament (Acts 24:18), the term labels the uproar associated with accusations against Paul and must be read against the background of public disturbances in Greco-Roman cities. English translations often render it as 'uproar,' 'disturbance,' or 'stir,' but these may not fully capture the social or political nuance the term implied in antiquity. The root and related forms are rare in Classical Greek, becoming somewhat more common in the Koine period, especially in administrative or legal contexts where civil order is described.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

masculine from ταράσσω; a disturbance, i.e. (popular) tumult:--stir.

Root Family

τάραχος (tarachos) — disturbance, agitation, tumult, unrest, disorder

Root ταραχ- to disturb, to agitate, to trouble

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5017-01`	τάραχος	tarachos	`N NOM M SG`	commotion	disturbance	disturbance	2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5017-01`	Acts 12:18	τάραχος	tarachos	`N NOM M SG`	commotion	disturbance	disturbance
`G5017-01`	Acts 19:23	τάραχος	tarachos	`N NOM M SG`	disturbance	disturbance	disturbance

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