ἔντρομος

From the study of Acts 16:29

Range of meaning

Trembling or quaking with fear, terror or awe. The word combines ἐν ('in') and τρόμος ('trembling'). In biblical Greek it is often linked with meeting divine power.

Against the English

Most versions say 'trembling'. ESV and NASB say 'trembling with fear', which makes the fear explicit. That is fair, but it narrows a word that can also carry awe.

Used elsewhere in the period

New Testament: Acts 7:32, where Moses at the burning bush 'became trembling' (ἔντρομος γενόμενος, the same phrase as here), and Hebrews 12:21, Moses at Sinai. LXX: Psalm 17:8 (Ps 18:7 in English Bibles) and Psalm 76:19 (77:18), 'the earth was shaken and became trembling' (ἐσαλεύθη καὶ ἔντρομος ἐγενήθη), both describing God's appearing in storm and earthquake. Also Daniel 10:11 (Theodotion's Greek version), where Daniel stands trembling before a heavenly messenger, and 1 Maccabees 13:2.

From the study of Acts 7:32

Range of meaning

Trembling or quaking, usually from fear or awe (BDAG: 'trembling'). It describes the body shaking. It does not describe a mere attitude of respect.

Against the English

BSB, NIV and NLT add 'with fear' or 'with terror'. KJV, WEB and ESV say just 'trembled'. YLT has 'having become terrified'. All are fair. The Greek word itself focuses on the shaking, and fear is understood as its cause.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the NT it appears only three times. Here; Acts 16:29 (the Philippian jailer falls before Paul 'trembling'); and Hebrews 12:21, where Moses at Sinai says 'I am terrified and trembling' (ekphobos eimi kai entromos). LXX uses: Psalm 17:8 LXX (18:7, the earth quaking before God), Daniel 10:11 Theodotion (Daniel stands up 'trembling' before the angel), 1 Maccabees 13:2.

From the study of Hebrews 12:21

Range of meaning

Trembling, quaking, shaking with fear. It describes the physical response of the body.

Against the English

KJV has 'quake', WEB and BSB 'trembling'. All accurate.

Used elsewhere in the period

Acts 7:32: Stephen says Moses at the burning bush 'became trembling' (ἔντρομος γενόμενος) and did not dare look. Acts 16:29: the Philippian jailer falls down trembling. 1 Maccabees 13:2 pairs it with ἔκφοβος. In the Greek Old Testament it appears at Psalm 18:7 (17:8 in Greek numbering) and Daniel 10:11 (Theodotion's Greek version).