רָעַשׁ

to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically

Definition

The verb רָעַשׁ (râʻash) primarily means 'to quake,' 'to shake,' or 'to tremble.' It describes powerful, often violent, physical shaking, most frequently applied to the earth (Psalm 60:2, 68:8) and mountains (Judges 5:4-5) as a manifestation of God's awesome presence and judgment. In a more specific sense, it can describe the quivering or springing motion of a horse (Job 39:20) or a locust. The shaking is almost always caused by an overwhelming force, typically divine, and is closely associated with fear and awe.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 30 times, predominantly in poetic and prophetic books like Psalms, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Its primary context is theophany—God's dramatic appearance—where the natural world convulses in response (2 Samuel 22:8, Psalm 18:7). It is also used metaphorically for nations or individuals being shaken with terror (Psalm 46:3, 6). A unique usage describes the quivering of a horse's neck in Job 39:20, linking to the sense of vibrant, powerful motion.

Etymology

A primitive root, its core meaning relates to violent motion or agitation. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings of shaking or quaking. The Hebrew noun רַעַשׁ (raʻash, H7494), meaning 'commotion,' 'quake,' or 'rumbling,' is directly derived from this verb.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as a key descriptor of God's majesty and power. The shaking of the earth is a standard motif in divine appearances (theophanies), signaling God's intervention in judgment or salvation. It underscores the Creator's sovereignty over nature and the terror His holiness can inspire. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting that physical tremors in the Bible are often direct reactions to spiritual reality, pointing to a God who makes the very foundations of the world tremble.

In the ancient Near Eastern worldview, earthquakes and celestial disturbances were not mere natural phenomena but were understood as direct actions of the gods. For Israel, the shaking of the earth (רָעַשׁ) was a tangible sign of Yahweh's active presence, whether in delivering His people (as at Sinai in Judges 5:4-5) or in executing judgment. This differs from a modern, purely seismic understanding.

גָּעַשׁ (gāʻash, H1607) — a near synonym also meaning 'to shake' or 'quake,' often used in parallel with רָעַשׁ (e.g., Psalm 68:8). חָרַד (ḥārad, H2729) — 'to tremble' or 'be afraid,' focusing more on the emotional reaction of fear rather than the physical motion. רָגַז (rāgaz, H7264) — 'to be agitated' or 'angry,' often used for emotional or national turmoil, sometimes overlapping with the sense of quaking.

Word Details

Scripture References