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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately and appreciating the cultural context in which these texts were written. The Greek verb ἐκφοβέω (ekphobeō) is a significant term that encapsulates the experience of intense fear or terror, often in response to divine or supernatural events. This word offers a rich layer of meaning to the New Testament, highlighting moments when individuals or groups are struck with overwhelming fear. Understanding this word deepens our comprehension of how fear is portrayed in both the spiritual and physical realms of ancient Greek thought.
Key Information
ἐκφοβέω (ekphobeō) [ek-foh-BEH-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, meaning “out of”) and the verb φοβέω (phobeō, meaning “to fear”).
- Part of Speech: Verb
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
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Primary Meanings
- To terrify: This primary meaning indicates a strong, overwhelming sense of fear that often leads to physical or emotional trembling.
- To frighten exceedingly: A more intense form of fear that suggests a reaction to something perceived as highly dangerous or awe-inspiring.
Similar Words:
- φοβέω (phobeō) [foh-BEH-oh]: A related verb that simply means “to fear” or “to be afraid,” without the intensifying prefix ἐκ.
- θροέω (throeō) [throh-EH-oh]: Meaning “to be troubled” or “to cry out in fear,” this word conveys a similar but less intense reaction compared to ἐκφοβέω.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: The verb ἐκφοβέω is a compound word, combining the preposition ἐκ (out of) with the verb φοβέω (to fear). The prefix ἐκ adds an element of intensity, implying that the fear causes an outward reaction or is deeply rooted.
- Verb Conjugation: ἐκφοβέω follows the standard Greek conjugation patterns for a verb of its type. Below is a table showing its full conjugation:
| Tense | 1st Person Singular | 2nd Person Singular | 3rd Person Singular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present | ἐκφοβέω | ἐκφοβέεις | ἐκφοβέει |
| Imperfect | ἐξεφοβοῦν | ἐξεφοβοῦς | ἐξεφοβοῦ |
| Future | ἐκφοβήσω | ἐκφοβήσεις | ἐκφοβήσει |
| Aorist | ἐξέφοβησα | ἐξέφοβησας | ἐξέφοβησε |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: BDAG notes that ἐκφοβέω is primarily used in contexts where individuals are struck with terror, often due to a divine or supernatural presence. It highlights the intensity of the fear experienced, which is not just a mild unease but a profound, overwhelming terror.
Thayer’s: Thayer emphasizes that ἐκφοβέω conveys a sense of being completely overcome by fear, leading to a physical or emotional response. This usage is often seen in the New Testament in passages where individuals encounter angels or divine beings.
Vine’s: Vine’s points out that the word ἐκφοβέω is used in a way that emphasizes the reaction to something perceived as vastly superior or incomprehensible, such as a divine revelation or a miraculous event.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon includes references to classical Greek literature where ἐκφοβέω is used in secular contexts, such as in battles or confrontations with overwhelming forces, illustrating its broader cultural relevance.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the appearances of ἐκφοβέω in the New Testament, noting its importance in conveying the human response to the divine, particularly in the context of fear and awe.
Scripture References
- Luke 24:37: “But they were startled and frightened (ἐκφοβέω) and thought they saw a spirit.”
- Acts 22:9: “Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me, but they were terrified (ἐκφοβέω).”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He terrified (ἐκφοβέω) the army with a loud shout.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The sight of the enemy brought terror (ἐκφοβέω) to their hearts.” |
| Euripides | Bacchae | “The presence of Dionysus caused them to be exceedingly frightened (ἐκφοβέω).” |
Summary of ἐκφοβέω (G1629: ekphobeō)
In summary, ἐκφοβέω is a Greek verb that conveys the idea of intense fear or terror, often in reaction to something perceived as divine, supernatural, or overwhelmingly powerful. This term appears in contexts that highlight the profound impact of such fear on individuals, both physically and emotionally. Understanding ἐκφοβέω enriches our reading of the New Testament by illustrating the depth of fear and reverence that characters experience in response to divine encounters. Additionally, its use in classical literature underscores its broader significance in ancient Greek culture, where fear was a common reaction to the unknown or the incomprehensibly powerful.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word ἐκφοβέω is often used in the New Testament to describe the reaction of people who encounter angels or divine messengers? This term emphasizes not just a casual fear but a deep, almost paralyzing terror, which reflects the awe-inspiring nature of such encounters.
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