I know there are mixed feelings for some regarding the use of AI, but I have just discovered that it is quite easy to use Google AI to translate ancient Greek words (but of course we know that errors may surface).
I was working on a particular section of the Letter to Menoeceus, and found this on one of the words...
query: translate into english from ancient greek the following word: ταράττεσθαι
AI response:
The Ancient Greek verb ταράττεσθαι (tarattesthai) translates to "to be troubled," "to be disturbed," "to be agitated," or "to be thrown into confusion." [1, 2]
It is the present passive/middle infinitive of tarassō (ταράσσω), which literally means to stir up or agitate liquids (like muddying water) and metaphorically refers to unsettling the mind or emotions. [1]
And then I queried (just for fun and comparison):
is this word used in the bible ?
AI response:
Yes, the underlying verb ταράσσω (tarassō) is used in the New Testament.
While the exact grammatical form ταράττεσθαι (the present passive infinitive) does not explicitly appear in the finalized textual tradition of the New Testament, other inflected variations of the exact same passive verb are used in some of the Bible's most famous passages to describe deep emotional or spiritual distress. [1]
Notable New Testament Uses
In the New Testament, the verb describes profound emotional turmoil, fear, or a troubled mind: [1]
- Jesus' Deep Emotion: When Jesus is deeply moved by the death of Lazarus in John 11:33, the text says he "troubled himself" (ἐτάραξεν ἑαυτόν). Later, facing his impending crucifixion in John 12:27, he cries, "Now my soul is troubled" (ἡ ψυχή μου τετάρακται).
- Comforting the Disciples: In John 14:1, Jesus delivers his famous reassurance: "Do not let your hearts be troubled" (μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία)—which is the imperative passive form of the exact same word.
- The Disciples' Terror: When the disciples see Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14:26, the text notes they "were terrified" (ἐταράχθησαν). [1, 2]