Lexical Summary akatastasia: Disorder, confusion, instability, tumult Original Word: ἀκαταστασία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance commotion, confusion, tumult. From akatastatos; instability, i.e. Disorder -- commotion, confusion, tumult. see GREEK akatastatos HELPS Word-studies 181 akatastasía (from 1 /A "not," 2596 /katá, "down" and stasis, "status, standing," cf. 2476 /hístēmi) – properly, can not stand (remain steady); unsettled, unstable (in tumult); (figuratively) instability bringing on disorder (disturbance). 181 /akatastasía ("commotion") generates confusion (things being "out of control"), i.e. when "up for grabs." This uncertainty and tumult inevitably generates more instability. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom akatastatos Definition instability NASB Translation confusion (1), disorder (1), disturbances (2), tumults (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 181: ἀκαταστασίαἀκαταστασία, (ας, ἡ (ἀκατάστατος), instability, a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion: 1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:16; (Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 14, 1 [ET]; (Proverbs 26:28; Tobit 4:13)); plural disturbances, disorders: of dissensions, 2 Corinthians 12:20; of seditions, 2 Corinthians 6:5 (Cf. Meyer at the passage); of the tumults or commotions of war, Luke 21:9 (Polybius, Dionysius Halicarnassus). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 181, ἀκαταστασία, gathers the ideas of unrest, upheaval, riot, and spiritual confusion. Its five New Testament uses trace a line from outward civil turmoil to inward congregational and personal disorder, contrasting sharply with the peace God provides and expects among His people. Biblical Occurrences and Contexts Luke 21:9 – Jesus forewarns that “wars and uprisings” will precede the end. ἀκαταστασία paints a picture of civic tumults that shake societies, reminding believers that history moves under divine sovereignty toward a determined consummation. 2 Corinthians 6:5 – Paul lists “riots” among his sufferings. Gospel ministry brought him into literal street unrest; yet his endurance magnified the power of God to sustain His servants amid social chaos. 2 Corinthians 12:20 – Facing a divided church, Paul fears he may find “disorder.” Here the word exposes relational turmoil springing from unchecked fleshly attitudes that undermine fellowship. 1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” The apostle appeals to God’s own character to regulate worship. Spiritual gifts must operate in an atmosphere reflecting divine order, not human confusion. James 3:16 – “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” The tongue, when driven by envy, becomes a seedbed of ἀκαταστασία, showing that internal motives inevitably bear external fruit. Theological Significance 1. Contrast with Divine Peace: Scripture consistently opposes ἀκαταστασία to εἰρήνη. The God who calms creation (Mark 4:39) will not inhabit environments characterized by unchecked tumult. Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Worship Leadership: Liturgical planning and exercise of gifts should foster clarity and mutual upbuilding, never spectacle or confusion. Historical Insights First-century Mediterranean cities were prone to mob violence, labor agitation, and political revolt. Paul’s mention of “riots” resonates with accounts in Acts (Ephesus, Jerusalem). Against this background, the early church’s call to quiet lives (1 Thessalonians 4:11) and orderly assemblies stood out sharply, offering a counterculture of peace amid empire-wide unrest. Practical Application for Believers Today 1. Examine Motives: Jealousy and selfish ambition remain fertile soil for disorder. Personal repentance precedes communal peace. Summary ἀκαταστασία is more than mere commotion; it is the outward manifestation of hearts and societies unaligned with God’s peace. Scripture exposes its sources, warns of its consequences, and offers the remedy of Spirit-wrought order. In every age, the call remains: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Forms and Transliterations ακαταστασια ακαταστασία ἀκαταστασία ακαταστασιαι ακαταστασίαι ἀκαταστασίαι ακαταστασιαις ακαταστασίαις ἀκαταστασίαις ακαταστασίαν ακαταστασιας ακαταστασίας ἀκαταστασίας akatastasia akatastasía akatastasiai akatastasíai akatastasiais akatastasíais akatastasias akatastasíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 21:9 N-AFPGRK: πολέμους καὶ ἀκαταστασίας μὴ πτοηθῆτε NAS: of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; KJV: of wars and commotions, be not INT: wars and commotions not be terrified 1 Corinthians 14:33 N-GFS 2 Corinthians 6:5 N-DFP 2 Corinthians 12:20 N-NFP James 3:16 N-NFS Strong's Greek 181 |