Greek word · G5156

τρόμος

tromos

trembling

Physical trembling or quaking, and figuratively the inner agitation that goes with fear or awe. In the New Testament it almost always appears with 'fear' (Mark 16:8 is the exception, paired with 'astonishment').

Appears 5 times in 5 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

τρόμος, -ου, ὁ

(τρέμω), [in LXX for רַעַד, רַעַד, פַּחַד, etc. ;]

trembling, quaking, esp. from fear: Mark 16:8; φόβος κ. τ. (as in Genesis 9:2, Exodus 15:16, Deuteronomy 2:25, Isaiah 19:16, al.), 1 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 7:15, Ephesians 6:5, Philippians 2:12.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of 1 Corinthians 2:3

Range of meaning

Physical trembling or quaking, and figuratively the inner agitation that goes with fear or awe. In the New Testament it almost always appears with 'fear' (Mark 16:8 is the exception, paired with 'astonishment').

Against the English

'Trembling' is accurate. The risk is not the word itself but the phrase 'fear and trembling', which modern readers may take as pure panic or, through Kierkegaard's famous book title, as existential dread.

How it drifted

The phrase 'fear and trembling' became a cultural catchphrase, especially after Kierkegaard (1843), and now tends to suggest terror or anguish of soul. In Paul's Greek Bible it was a stock expression with a known range.

Used elsewhere in the period

Septuagint: Genesis 9:2 ('the dread and trembling of you' on the animals); Exodus 15:16; Deuteronomy 2:25; Isaiah 19:16. In Paul's other uses the phrase clearly does not mean panic: the Corinthians received Titus 'with fear and trembling' (2 Corinthians 7:15), meaning respectful, eager readiness to obey. Slaves are to obey 'with fear and trembling' (Ephesians 6:5), and believers work out their salvation 'with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12). Each time it describes a humble, earnest posture toward someone who carries authority.

Where it appears

Mark · 1

  1. Mark 16:8 τρόμος trembling

    So the women left the tomb and ran away, trembling and bewildered. And in their fear they did not say a word to anyone.

1 Corinthians · 1

  1. 1 Corinthians 2:3 τρόμῳ trembling

    I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.

    Here: Literally shaking or quivering. With 'fear' it forms the stock biblical pair 'fear and trembling', which describes the posture of someone who knows they are small before something greater.

2 Corinthians · 1

  1. 2 Corinthians 7:15 τρόμου trembling

    And his affection for you is even greater when he remembers that you were all obedient as you welcomed him with fear and trembling.

    Here: Literally shaking. In this stock phrase it heightens 'fear' into an image of earnest, humbled concern.

Ephesians · 1

  1. Ephesians 6:5 τρόμου trembling

    Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

    Here: Literally shaking. In this pairing it heightens 'fear' into deep earnestness. BSB and NIV drop the physical image.

Philippians · 1

  1. Philippians 2:12 τρόμου trembling

    Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

    Here: Literally shaking. In this set phrase it is the physical picture of humble, earnest seriousness in the presence of someone far greater.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.