Holy Reverence: τρέμω (Strong’s G5141: tremo) Reveals Divine Encounter

Strong’s G5141: A verb meaning “to tremble” or “to quake with fear,” tremo describes physical trembling often resulting from divine encounters or supernatural experiences. In the New Testament, it expresses both holy fear and reverential awe before God.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρέμω (tremo) powerfully conveys physical trembling, often as a response to divine presence or supernatural encounters. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where individuals experience overwhelming awe in the presence of God’s power or authority. The word carries both physical and spiritual dimensions, expressing not just fear but also reverent submission. The early church fathers frequently used τρέμω when discussing proper responses to God’s holiness and manifestations of His power. Today, this word continues to remind believers of the appropriate attitude of reverence and holy fear in approaching the divine presence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρέμω, tremo, TREM-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: τρέ (TREM) + μω (oh)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: Proto-Indo-European *trem-
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic verb form meaning “to shake”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “to tremble”
• To quake with fear
• To shake with awe
• To exhibit physical trembling

For compound words: Not applicable as τρέμω is a simple verb

Translation Options:

1. “to tremble” – Most literal physical meaning
2. “to quake” – Emphasizes intensity
3. “to shake with fear” – Combines physical and emotional aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

φοβέομαι (phobeomai) [fo-BEH-oh-my] – to fear, be afraid – See G5399
σείω (seio) [SAY-oh] – to shake, agitate – See G4579
ἔντρομος (entromos) [EN-trom-os] – terrified, trembling – See G1790

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present (continuous action)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative/Participle
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective

The verb changes form based on usage:

• Present active: τρέμω (I tremble)
• Present participle: τρέμων (trembling)
• Imperfect: ἔτρεμον (was trembling)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τρέμω’s usage and significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to divine encounters and supernatural experiences. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from physical trembling to spiritual awe. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek literature describing both physical and emotional responses. Vine’s expands on its theological significance, particularly in contexts of divine manifestation. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in describing intense emotional and physical reactions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at His feet and, trembling [τρέμουσα] with fear, told Him the whole truth.” Mark 5:33

Additional References:
Acts 9:6, 2 Peter 2:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρέμω powerfully captures the natural human response to encountering divine power. From the woman healed by Jesus to Saul on the Damascus road, this trembling represents both holy fear and reverent submission. This word reminds us that encountering the living God should produce not just casual acknowledgment but deep, transformative awe. Through τρέμω, we see that proper response to the Messiah’s presence combines reverent fear with trusting faith, leading to healing and restoration.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρέμω is the root of English words like “tremor” and “tremble”
2. In early Christian literature, it often described martyrs’ physical reactions
3. The word appears in ancient medical texts describing nervous conditions

Strong’s G5141: A verb meaning “to tremble” or “to quake with fear,” tremo describes physical trembling often resulting from divine encounters or supernatural experiences. In the New Testament, it expresses both holy fear and reverential awe before God.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: trembling, fear, awe, reverence, divine encounter, supernatural experience, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, emotion, physical response, worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​