[Greek] θροέω (throeō), [Old English] thrawan, [Latin] perturbari: to be alarmed, to be disturbed, to be troubled, to frighten, to wail, to clamor, to be terrified; Mt.24:6, Mk.13:7, 2Thess.2:2
The Throes of Creation: painting by the Russian impressionist painter Leonid Pasternak (1862-1945)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to make a loud sound, to cry loud, to utter aloud, to be stirred, to be moved, and to terrify. Sophocles’ Electra 1410 states “Look once more someone cries out!” Sophocles’ Ellectra 1195 states “There is no reason for indignation when the words of one crazed by a storm of pain are senseless.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 1141 states “Frenzied in soul you are, by some god possessed, and you wail in wild strains your own fate, like that brown bird that never ceases lament.” Sophocles’ Antigone 1287 states “Why do you ruin me? Herald of evil, of grief, what word do you say? What is this you report to me?” Euripides’ Orestes 187 states “Tell me, what end of trouble awaits him.”
Old Testament: This term means to make a loud sound, to be stirred, to be troubled, and to murmur. Surely they make an uproar for nothing (Psa.39:6). Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? (Psa.42:5). The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottored (Psa.46:6). And they will drink and be boisterous as with wine (Zec.9:15). And their waves will roared like many waters (Jer.51:55). Therefore My heart wails for Moab, like flutes (Jer.48:36). My heart yearns for him (Jer.31:20).
New Testament: This term essentially means to be alarmed or to be disturbed. Jesus was explaining to His disciples of the signs and happenings leading to His coming and to the end of the age. Jesus instructs the disciples not to be alarmed of wars (and reports of wars) which will come. Upon His return to His disciples, the despondent disciples were startled by His appearance. The insecure and uncertain disciples were encouraged and empowered by Jesus’ presence. Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be alarmed about deceitful spirits, false statements, and forged letters stating that the day of the Lord has already come. These deceptions will come as part of the events leading to the end of the age.
Scripture:
“But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.” Lk.24:37
After Jesus had left the disciples, they were fearful and afraid. When they saw Jesus, they thought they saw a ghost.
“Not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a spirit, or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.” 2Thess.2:2
Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be alarmed by events (spirits, statements, or letters) stating that the day of the Lord is already at hand. Paul tells them these deceptions are bound to occur.
Throws/Throes: These two terms are homonyms (sounding the same, but having different meanings). Throes, a plural noun, is a violent condition or painful struggle. However, throws and throes, both closely related, come from the same Old English root thrawan, meaning to twist, to turn, and to torment. The original meaning of “throwing something” pertains to shaping it on a turning potter’s wheel. It is also interesting to note that the Old English word threa means calamity.
Conclusion:
Throes, throws, threat, perturbed
In Greek Hellenism, this term is present in all walks of life. After all, the Greek playwrights presented their plays as social commentaries on the human condition.
In the Old Testament, the downtrodden or less fortunate often experienced throes of difficulties or despair.
In the New Testament, Jesus and Paul both mention that struggles and difficulties will come first. Jesus tells His disciples not to be alarmed by such news. Paul warns his congregation about false messengers of doom.
We all are at some point in the throes of something (difficulties and struggles). Many times we all are like that clay pot being shaped and formed in these trials by God’s potting wheel.
Update March 2020: We are now in a time when we are all are trying to keep ourselves away from an unseen enemy, this Corona virus. May our social distancing become wary and wise!