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θόρυβος

thórybos

G2351 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A state or act of noisy commotion, confusion, or movement involving a crowd; 'disturbance, tumult.' Primarily refers to disorderly, noisy gatherings, crowds creating confusion or unrest, or the commotion preceding or accompanying unrest—may also signify general uproar or disorder in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Semantic Range

clamor, uproar, disorderly crowd, public commotion, riotous disturbance, unrest, confusion

Root / Etymology

From the base of θροέω (throeō, 'to make noise, cry aloud, be troubled'), likely via a noun formation. No reliable non-Greek or pre-Greek etymology is attested.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, θόρυβος designates the noise and shouting of a crowd, general commotion, or confusion—often in assemblies, markets, or during civil unrest. It could carry a negative connotation of disorder or chaos, particularly in political or civic contexts (e.g., disruption in the ekklēsia or mob activity). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the NT and LXX, the term frequently describes the tumultuous gathering of people, as in crowds reacting to an event or incited to violence (e.g., Acts 21:34; Mark 14:2). The word can be close in meaning to ἀκαταστασία ('disorder, unrest') but θόρυβος emphasizes outward, noisy manifestations. English translations often use 'uproar,' 'tumult,' or 'disturbance,' but the nuance of public, noisy agitation is sometimes lost. Unlike terms for 'riot' (e.g., στάσις), θόρυβος does not always imply sustained or organized opposition but any sudden, noisy commotion.

Translation Consistency

primary "uproar" 6 occurrences

θόρυβος primarily denotes noisy commotion, tumult, or a disorderly crowd. "Uproar" is the most frequent P2 rendering, is natural English, and covers both literal and metaphorical senses (clamor, disturbance, unrest) without sounding overly formal.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"commotion" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of θροέω; a disturbance:--tumult, uproar.

Root Family

θόρυβος (thorybos) — noise, commotion, disturbance

Root θορυβ- noise, commotion, disturbance

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2351-01 θόρυβον thorubon N ACC M SG uproar a noisy commotion an uproar 3
G2351-02 θόρυβος thorubos N NOM M SG uproar uproar uproar 3
G2351-03 θορύβου thorubou N GEN M SG tumult of commotion commotion 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2351-02 Matthew 26:5 θόρυβος thorubos N NOM M SG uproar uproar uproar
G2351-02 Matthew 27:24 θόρυβος thorubos N NOM M SG tumult uproar uproar
G2351-01 Mark 5:38 θόρυβον thorubon N ACC M SG tumult a noisy commotion an uproar
G2351-02 Mark 14:2 θόρυβος thorubos N NOM M SG uproar uproar uproar
G2351-01 Acts 20:1 θόρυβον thorubon N ACC M SG uproar a noisy commotion an uproar
G2351-01 Acts 21:34 θόρυβον thorubon N ACC M SG uproar a noisy commotion an uproar
G2351-03 Acts 24:18 θορύβου thorubou N GEN M SG tumult of commotion commotion
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