Introduction

In the realm of biblical studies, the exploration of individual Greek words can provide profound insights into the meaning and nuance of New Testament texts. The word ἔμφοβος (emphobos), which appears in the New Testament, carries connotations of fear and awe. Understanding its usage and significance is crucial for interpreting passages where the human response to divine or supernatural events is described. This word not only sheds light on the psychological and emotional reactions of individuals in the biblical narrative but also connects to broader themes in ancient Greek culture, where fear and reverence were often intertwined in religious and social contexts.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἔμφοβος (emphobos) [EM-fo-bos]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐν- (en-, meaning “in” or “within”) and the root φόβος (phobos), which means “fear” or “terror.” The combination emphasizes the state of being filled with or surrounded by fear.
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Frightened or Terrified: The primary meaning of ἔμφοβος is “frightened” or “terrified.” It is used to describe a state of intense fear, often in response to a sudden or overwhelming event.
• In Awe or Reverence: In some contexts, ἔμφοβος also conveys a sense of awe or reverence, especially when the fear is directed towards something perceived as divine or extraordinary.

Similar Words:

• φόβος (phobos) [FO-bos]: This is the root word of ἔμφοβος and is more broadly used to describe fear or terror. While phobos can refer to fear in a general sense, ἔμφοβος often emphasizes a more intense or immediate reaction.
• δέος (deos) [DE-os]: Another Greek word for fear, often used to describe a sense of dread or apprehension, particularly in the face of something unknown or awe-inspiring.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As an adjective, ἔμφοβος agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. This flexibility allows it to describe various scenarios where individuals or groups experience fear.
• Linguistic Features: The prefix ἐν- combined with φόβος highlights the internal nature of the fear described, emphasizing a deep, personal experience of terror or awe.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon emphasizes that ἔμφοβος is used in contexts where individuals are struck with sudden fear or awe, often in response to divine or supernatural occurrences. It notes the word’s role in describing the psychological impact of encountering the divine.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the New Testament usage of ἔμφοβος, particularly in passages where fear or awe is a response to miraculous or unexpected events. Thayer highlights its use in describing both physical terror and reverential fear.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary associates ἔμφοβος with both terror and reverence, noting its application in contexts where fear is mingled with a sense of awe, especially in religious settings.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides broader classical context, showing that ἔμφοβος was used in Greek literature to describe individuals or groups who were filled with fear, particularly in situations involving gods or supernatural forces.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἔμφοβος simply as “terrified” or “in awe,” noting its limited but impactful use in the New Testament, particularly in describing the reaction of individuals to divine or miraculous events.

Scripture References

• Luke 24:37: “But they were startled and frightened (ἔμφοβοι) and thought they saw a spirit.”
• Acts 10:4: “And he stared at him in terror (ἔμφοβος) and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔμφοβος (G1719: emphobos)

The Greek adjective ἔμφοβος (emphobos) is a potent word that captures the intense emotional response of fear or awe. It appears in the New Testament in contexts where individuals are confronted with divine or supernatural phenomena, underscoring the human reaction to the presence of the divine. This word’s roots in the broader Greek cultural and religious context further enrich its meaning, as fear and reverence were often closely linked in ancient thought. Understanding ἔμφοβος enhances our comprehension of key biblical passages and provides insight into the psychological and spiritual experiences of biblical characters.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, ἔμφοβος was not just a word for fear but also for reverence and awe, often used in religious contexts to describe the appropriate response to divine power or mystery. This dual meaning highlights the close connection between fear and respect in both ancient Greek and biblical thought.