Supernatural Fear: φόβος (Strong’s G5401: phobos) Reveals Divine Reverence

Strong’s G5401: From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright; also reverential fear – exceedingly afraid (-ness), fear, terror. Derived from Proto-Indo-European *bhegw- meaning “to run away.” In biblical usage, ranges from terror to holy reverence, particularly emphasizing awe-inspiring respect for God’s authority and power.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word φόβος (phobos) carries a rich theological depth that spans both negative and positive connotations in Scripture. While it can denote terror or dread, its more profound biblical usage often points to reverential fear – a holy awe before the Divine. This nuanced understanding transformed early Christian worship, where believers were called to “fear God” not out of terror, but from a place of deep reverence and wonder. The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria, explored how this godly fear becomes the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), leading believers into deeper communion with God. Today, this concept remains vital in Christian spirituality, reminding us that authentic worship begins with recognizing God’s transcendent holiness while embracing His immanent love.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φόβος, phobos, /ˈfo.bos/
• Phonetic Guide: FOH-bohs (stress on first syllable, ‘o’ as in “go”, ‘s’ as in “so”)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• Root: φέβομαι (phebomai) – to flee, be afraid
• Derivative noun formation with -ος (-os) suffix
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *bhegw- (to run away)

D – Defining Meanings

• Reverential fear or awe
• Terror or dread
• Respect mixed with fear
• Deep reverence
• State of extreme disturbance

For compound words: Not applicable as φόβος is a root word

Translation Options:

• “Holy fear” – Best captures the reverent aspect in religious contexts
• “Terror” – Appropriate for contexts of genuine fright
• “Awe” – Useful when emphasizing wonder mixed with fear

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δειλία (deilia) /dei·li·a/ – cowardice or timidity See G1167
• τρόμος (tromos) /tro·mos/ – trembling, usually physical See G5156
• εὐλάβεια (eulabeia) /eu·la·bei·a/ – reverence, more focused on careful respect See G2124

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: φόβος (phobos)
• Genitive: φόβου (phobou)
• Dative: φόβῳ (phobō)
• Accusative: φόβον (phobon)

Cross-references:

• Verbal form: φοβέομαι (phobeomai)
• Adjective form: φοβερός (phoberos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The comprehensive study of φόβος across major lexicons reveals its evolution from classical to biblical usage. BDAG emphasizes its range from panic to reverence, while Thayer’s highlights its development in Jewish thought as “fear of God.” LSJ provides extensive classical examples showing its secular usage in Greek literature. Vine’s explores its connection to worship, noting how it differs from mere dread. Strong’s connects it to flight and terror, while LEH focuses on its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence suggests its common usage in legal contexts involving respect for authority. This word uniquely captures both the trembling of creation before its Creator and the intimate reverence of children before their loving Father.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

Additional References:
Luke 1:12, Luke 1:65, Luke 2:9, Luke 7:16, Acts 2:43, Romans 3:18, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 2:12, 1 Peter 1:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The concept of φόβος in Scripture reveals a profound theological truth: genuine fear of the Lord leads to spiritual transformation. This isn’t about cowering in terror but about standing in awe before our Creator’s majesty. When we properly understand φόβος, we realize it’s the gateway to wisdom and intimate relationship with God. The good news is that this holy fear drives out worldly fear, as perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Through the Messiah, we can approach God’s throne with both reverence and confidence, knowing we are beloved children of the Most High.

D – Did You Know?

1. The English word “phobia” derives from φόβος, though its meaning has narrowed to just irrational fear.
2. In ancient Greek medicine, φόβος was considered one of the four primary emotions that affected physical health.
3. Early Christian martyrs were described as having “holy φόβος” as they faced death, demonstrating reverent trust rather than terror.

Strong’s G5401: From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright; also reverential fear – exceedingly afraid (-ness), fear, terror. Derived from Proto-Indo-European *bhegw- meaning “to run away.” In biblical usage, ranges from terror to holy reverence, particularly emphasizing awe-inspiring respect for God’s authority and power.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: fear, reverence, awe, terror, worship, respect, holiness, wisdom, divine-fear, spiritual-growth, biblical-greek, phobos​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​