Holy Fear: τρόμος (Strong’s G5156: tromos) Reveals Divine Encounter

Strong’s G5156: A masculine noun meaning “trembling” or “quaking,” tromos describes the physical manifestation of encountering divine presence. In the New Testament, it often appears with “fear” to express appropriate reverence and awe before God.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρόμος (tromos) expresses physical trembling or quaking, particularly in response to divine presence or supernatural encounters. In the New Testament, it frequently appears paired with “fear” (φόβος) to describe the natural human response to experiencing God’s power or presence. The word carries both physical and spiritual dimensions, indicating not just bodily trembling but deep spiritual reverence. The early church fathers often used τρόμος when discussing proper attitudes in worship and divine encounters. Today, this word continues to remind believers of the appropriate reverence and holy fear due to God’s presence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρόμος, tromos, TRO-mos
• Detailed pronunciation: τρό (TRO) + μος (mos)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρέμω (tremo) meaning “to tremble”
• Suffix: -μος (-mos) forming abstract noun
• Basic meaning: “trembling”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “trembling”
• Physical quaking
• Reverential fear
• Awe-induced shaking

For compound words: Not applicable as τρόμος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “trembling” – Physical manifestation
2. “quaking” – Intense physical response
3. “shaking” – General physical reaction

E – Exploring Similar Words

φόβος (phobos) [FO-bos] – fear – See G5401
τρέμω (tremo) [TREM-oh] – to tremble – See G5141
ἔκστασις (ekstasis) [EK-sta-sis] – amazement – See G1611

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τρόμος (subject)
• Genitive: τρόμου (possession)
• Dative: τρόμῳ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τρόμον (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τρόμος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to encounters with divine presence. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from physical trembling to spiritual reverence. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for various types of trembling. Vine’s expands on its theological significance, particularly in contexts of divine encounters. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds 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:

“Trembling [τρόμος] and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” Mark 16:8

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 7:15, Ephesians 6:5, Philippians 2:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρόμος powerfully illustrates the natural human response to encountering divine presence. From the women at the empty tomb to Paul’s ministry approach, this trembling represents appropriate reverence before God. Through τρόμος, we see that the good news of King Jesus should inspire both joy and holy fear. This reminds us that while we have bold access to God through the Messiah, we should approach Him with appropriate reverence and awe.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρόμος often appears with φόβος (fear) as a biblical hendiadys
2. Early Christians saw it as essential to proper worship
3. The word influenced medical terminology for trembling conditions

Strong’s G5156: A masculine noun meaning “trembling” or “quaking,” tromos describes the physical manifestation of encountering divine presence. In the New Testament, it often appears with “fear” to express appropriate reverence and awe before God.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: trembling, fear, reverence, awe, divine presence, worship, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, emotion, physical response, holy fear​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​