τρέμω

I tremble, am afraid

Definition

The verb τρέμω means 'to tremble' or 'to be afraid,' describing a physical shaking or quivering, often due to fear, awe, or reverence. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes a reaction of fear or profound respect in the presence of divine authority or power. For example, in Mark 5:33 and Luke 8:47, the woman healed by Jesus comes 'trembling' before Him, mixing fear with reverence. In Acts 9:6, Paul, at his conversion, is told to arise and enter the city while 'trembling' from the overwhelming encounter with the risen Christ. In 2 Peter 2:10, it describes false teachers who 'tremble not' to blaspheme glorious beings, indicating a brazen lack of reverent fear.

Biblical Usage

Τρέμω is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in narrative contexts within the Gospels (Mark, Luke) and Acts, and once in a doctrinal warning in 2 Peter. It consistently describes a human response to a direct encounter with divine power or authority. In the Gospels, it is the reaction of an individual (the healed woman) to Jesus' miraculous power. In Acts, it is Paul's response to a heavenly vision. In 2 Peter, its absence characterizes the insolence of false teachers. The pattern shows it is not mere terror but often a trembling that accompanies faith, submission, or recognition of holiness.

Etymology

The word τρέμω is a primary verb in ancient Greek, meaning 'to tremble, to quake.' It is onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound or sensation of shaking. It is the root for related Greek words like τρόμος (tromos, G5156), meaning 'trembling,' which appears in passages like Philippians 2:12 ('work out your salvation with fear and trembling'). The core meaning of physical agitation from emotion remained consistent from classical through Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

Τρέμω is theologically significant as it captures the proper human posture before God—one of reverent fear and awe. This trembling is not opposed to faith but is its physical expression when confronted with divine holiness and power, as seen with the healed woman and Paul. It contrasts with the irreverent boldness of those who reject God's authority (2 Peter 2:10). Understanding this word enriches reading by highlighting that biblical fear of the Lord involves a profound, awe-struck recognition of His majesty, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

In the Greco-Roman world, trembling was a recognized physical response to encountering the divine (a god or an oracle) or a powerful ruler. It signified recognition of a vast power differential and often submission. The biblical usage aligns with this but deepens it within a monotheistic framework: the trembling is a response to the one true God or His Messiah, combining dread, wonder, and worship.

φοβέομαι (phobeomai, G5399) — a broader term for 'to fear, be afraid,' often used for reverence toward God, but less specific about physical trembling. δειλιάω (deiliaō, G1168) — means 'to be cowardly,' a negative fear lacking courage, not used in the NT. ἔκφοβος (ekphobos, G1630) — an adjective meaning 'terrified, greatly afraid,' emphasizing intense fear.

Word Details

Scripture References