The Greek verb diatarassō (διαταράσσω) means to thoroughly trouble, to deeply disturb, to throw into agitation. The prefix dia intensifies tarassō (to trouble/stir), expressing a profound, shaking disturbance of the inner person. It appears once in Luke 1:29, describing Mary's reaction when the angel Gabriel greeted her: 'She was greatly troubled (diatarassō) at the saying.'
Luke 1:29 is a psychologically and theologically precise observation. Gabriel's greeting — 'Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you' — was meant to announce blessing, yet it deeply disturbed Mary. She was 'troubled' (diatarassō) and 'considered what sort of greeting this might be.' This is the response of a soul attuned to the weight of holiness. Unlike Zechariah, who doubted (Luke 1:18), Mary was troubled by the *greatness* of what was being offered, then responded in humble faith (Luke 1:38). Diatarassō here is holy disruption — the soul shaken by an encounter with the divine before it yields in obedience. True faith is often born in holy trembling.