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G384 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνασκευάζω
anaskeuazō
Verb
to unsettle, subvert, disrupt

Definition

The verb anaskeuazō literally means to pack up household goods (as when moving) but in the New Testament carries the figurative meaning of unsettling, subverting, or disturbing people's minds with false teaching. It appears once in Acts 15:24.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Jerusalem Council's letter to Gentile believers specifically addressed those who had been anaskeuazō — unsettled and subverted — by teachers requiring circumcision for salvation. This language reveals how seriously the early church took doctrinal precision: wrong teaching about the gospel doesn't merely confuse — it dismantles and disrupts souls. The image of packing up and moving carries the sense of leaving one's stable foundation. False teaching uproots people from the solid ground of grace. The apostolic response was not silence but a clear, authoritative letter establishing the true basis of salvation by grace through faith.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 15:24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.
Galatians 1:7 Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Acts 15:1 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.'
2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.
Jude 1:3 I urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people.

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External Resources

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