Demons Tremble: φρίσσω (Strong’s G5425: phrisso) Reveals Supernatural Fear

Strong’s G5425: A primitive Greek verb meaning “to shiver, tremble, or be struck with terror.” Originally describing physical bristling of hair from fear, it evolved to denote intense dread or religious awe. In NT usage, dramatically appears in James 2:19 describing demons’ fearful recognition of God’s sovereignty.

U- Unveiling the Word

φρίσσω represents a visceral response of terror or awe that manifests physically. In ancient Greek literature, it initially described the physical bristling of hair or fur from fear, like a cat’s hair standing on end. This meaning evolved to encompass the psychological and spiritual dimensions of terror, particularly in religious contexts. In its New Testament usage, the word carries profound theological weight, appearing in James 2:19 where it describes demons’ terrified recognition of God’s supreme authority. This usage underscores the reality that even supernatural beings respond with instinctive dread to divine power, highlighting the vast gulf between mere intellectual belief and genuine faith. Today, this word reminds us that true knowledge of God should evoke deep reverence and awe.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φρίσσω, phrisso, /fris’-so/
• Pronunciation: FRISS-oh (like “frisk” without the k)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: φρίσσ- (phriss-) – primary verb stem meaning “to bristle”
• -ω (-ō) – first person singular present active indicative ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To shiver or tremble with fear
• To have one’s hair stand on end from terror
• To be struck with extreme fear or awe

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primitive verb

Translation Options:

• “Tremble with terror” – Best captures both physical and emotional aspects
• “Shudder with dread” – Emphasizes the physical manifestation
• “Be struck with terror” – Focuses on the psychological impact

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τρέμω (tremō) /trem’-o/ – to tremble from fear, but without the physical bristling implication. See G5141
• φοβέω (phobeō) /fob-eh’-o/ – to fear or be afraid, more general term. See G5399

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Verbal Features:
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word would morph in English as follows:

• I tremble/shudder (Present)
• I was trembling/shuddering (Past)
• I will tremble/shudder (Future)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into φρίσσω’s semantic range. BDAG emphasizes its development from physical bristling to metaphorical terror. Thayer’s highlights its use in classical literature for describing fear-induced physical reactions. LSJ traces its evolution from Homer through Hellenistic literature. Vine’s notes its singular NT appearance as particularly significant in demonstrating demonic recognition of divine authority. Strong’s connects it to primitive expressions of terror. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in describing religious awe in Hellenistic period. This collective wisdom shows φρίσσω as a word that bridges physical and spiritual manifestations of terror.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Even the demons believe—and [tremble] φρίσσω! (James 2:19)

Additional References:
None in NT – single occurrence

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φρίσσω captures an intense physical and spiritual reaction to divine power that transcends mere intellectual acknowledgment. Its singular New Testament usage in James 2:19 powerfully illustrates that even demons possess theological knowledge—yet their response is one of terror rather than worship. This word teaches us that true faith involves more than mental assent to God’s existence; it requires a transformative relationship with Him through Christ. The good news is that while demons tremble in terror, believers can approach God with reverent awe and confidence through Jesus’s sacrificial work.

D – Did You Know?

• φρίσσω is one of the few Greek words that onomatopoetically mimics the sound of shivering
• It appears only once in the New Testament but over 100 times in classical Greek literature
• The word influenced modern psychological terms describing fear responses

Strong’s G5425: A primitive Greek verb meaning “to shiver, tremble, or be struck with terror.” Originally describing physical bristling of hair from fear, it evolved to denote intense dread or religious awe. In NT usage, dramatically appears in James 2:19 describing demons’ fearful recognition of God’s sovereignty.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fear, trembling, demons, supernatural, divine authority, religious awe, physical manifestation, spiritual warfare, James, belief​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​