Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for unlocking deeper meanings within the New Testament and appreciating the cultural context of the ancient world. The word ἔκφοβος (ekphobos) is particularly significant because it encapsulates the state of being struck with extreme fear or terror. This term appears in contexts where the fear is not just a response to danger but a reaction to something overwhelming, often linked to divine or supernatural encounters. By examining ἔκφοβος, we gain insight into how early Christians and their contemporaries understood and expressed intense fear in both sacred and secular contexts.
Key Information
ἔκφοβος (ekphobos) [EK-foh-bohs]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, meaning “out of”) and the noun φόβος (phobos, meaning “fear”).
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
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Primary Meanings
- Terrified: This primary meaning conveys a state of being overwhelmed with fear, often in reaction to a divine or supernatural event.
- Exceedingly afraid: Indicates an intense level of fear that goes beyond normal apprehension, typically in response to something perceived as vastly powerful or threatening.
Similar Words:
- φοβερός (phoberos) [foh-BEH-rohs]: A related adjective meaning “fearful” or “terrifying,” which is often used to describe situations or entities that inspire fear.
- δείλαιος (deilais) [DEH-lai-os]: This word means “cowardly” or “timid,” which conveys a more passive or internal fear compared to the active, overwhelming fear implied by ἔκφοβος.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: The word ἔκφοβος is an adjective formed from the combination of ἐκ (out of) and φόβος (fear). The prefix ἐκ intensifies the meaning, suggesting that the fear is so strong that it comes out of or overwhelms the person experiencing it.
- Usage: ἔκφοβος is commonly used in both religious and secular Greek texts to describe individuals who are overwhelmed by fear, particularly in the presence of divine beings or in situations where the power of the gods is manifested.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: BDAG highlights that ἔκφοβος is used to describe individuals or groups struck with terror, especially in response to a divine or supernatural presence. The lexicon emphasizes the word’s use in contexts where the fear is so profound that it alters behavior or perception.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the adjective’s ability to convey a state of being completely overcome by fear. It notes that the word is often used in the New Testament when describing the reaction of people who encounter angels or divine messengers.
Vine’s: Vine’s dictionary points out that ἔκφοβος is distinct from other Greek words for fear due to its emphasis on the intensity and overwhelming nature of the fear experienced. It is often associated with divine or supernatural experiences.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon places ἔκφοβος within a broader Greek literary context, noting its use in classical literature to describe characters who are struck with terror in the face of overwhelming power, whether human, divine, or natural.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the occurrences of ἔκφοβος in the New Testament, particularly in situations where individuals are confronted with divine manifestations or angelic beings, underscoring the word’s role in conveying a deep, existential fear.
Scripture References
- Mark 16:8: “And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid (ἔκφοβος).”
- Hebrews 12:21: “Indeed, so terrifying (ἔκφοβος) was the sight that Moses said, ‘I tremble with fear.'”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He stood, ἐκφοβος, as if he had seen a god.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The sight of the Persian army caused the Greeks to become ἐκφοβοι.” |
| Euripides | Bacchae | “The Bacchae, in their frenzy, were ἐκφοβοι before the power of Dionysus.” |
Summary of ἔκφοβος (G1630: ekphobos)
In summary, ἔκφοβος is an adjective that conveys a state of extreme fear or terror, often in reaction to divine or supernatural encounters. This term plays a crucial role in the New Testament, where it is used to describe the profound fear experienced by individuals in the presence of angels, divine beings, or overwhelming supernatural events. Its usage in classical Greek literature also highlights the broader cultural understanding of fear as something that could completely overcome a person. By studying ἔκφοβος, we gain deeper insight into how fear was perceived and expressed in both sacred and secular contexts, enriching our understanding of ancient Greek thought and biblical narrative.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word ἔκφοβος is often used to describe the fear experienced by those who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus? This word captures the awe and terror that such a profound event would evoke, illustrating the overwhelming power of the divine in the New Testament.
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