Lexical Summary tromos: Trembling, quaking, fear Original Word: τρόμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance trembling. From tremo; a "trembling", i.e. Quaking with fear -- + tremble(-ing). see GREEK tremo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5156 trómos – trembling (shaking) caused by great fear. See 5141 (tremō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tremó Definition trembling, quaking NASB Translation trembling (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5156: τρόμοςτρόμος, τριχοῦ, ὁ (τρέμω), from Homer down, a trembling, quaking with fear: Mark 16:8; μετά φοβοῦ καί τρόμου, with fear and trembling, used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfil his duty, 2 Corinthians 7:15; Ephesians 6:5; Philippians 2:12; ἐν φόβῳ καί ἐν τρόμῳ (Isaiah 19:16), 1 Corinthians 2:3 (φόβος and τρόμος are joined in Genesis 9:2; Exodus 15:16; Deut. ( Topical Lexicon Overview of Trembling (Strong’s Greek 5156) A vivid term for an involuntary shaking that can signal terror, astonishment, deep reverence, or earnest humility before God or delegated authority. Occurrences in the New Testament • Mark 16:8 – the women flee the empty tomb “for trembling and bewilderment had seized them.” Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, public trembling often accompanied encounters with the divine or with rulers who wielded life-and-death power. Scripture redeploys the word to portray an appropriate human response to the infinitely greater majesty of God and, by extension, to legitimate authorities He ordains. Theological Significance of Godly Trembling 1. Awareness of Divine Holiness: Trembling marks the vast moral gulf between the holy Creator and His creatures (compare Exodus 20:18-20; Isaiah 66:2). Relationship between Fear, Reverence, and Obedience Scripture binds trembling to obedience. Ephesians 6:5 links it with “sincerity of heart” toward earthly masters, ultimately “as you would obey Christ.” Such trembling is not paralyzing dread but wholehearted submission springing from reverence. It harmonizes love and fear: filial affection that refuses to trifle with God’s commands (Psalm 2:11). Christological Dimensions The women’s trembling at the resurrection (Mark 16:8) underscores the awe that the risen Christ evokes. Their reaction anticipates the worldwide proclamation that the crucified One now holds all authority, before whom “every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:10). Old Testament Continuity The Septuagint uses the same root to describe Israel’s response at Sinai and the nations’ terror before the Lord’s judgments (e.g., Psalm 55:5; Jeremiah 5:22). The New Testament maintains this continuity while placing the ultimate theophany in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pastoral and Practical Applications • Preaching and Teaching: Ministers approach the pulpit as Paul did—aware of personal inadequacy and utterly reliant upon divine power. Eschatological Implications A final, universal trembling will seize humanity when Christ returns in glory (Revelation 1:7; Revelation 6:15-17). Present godly trembling anticipates that day and prepares believers to stand with confidence, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Summary Strong’s Greek 5156 portrays a bodily response that, when rooted in faith, becomes a spiritual virtue. It signals reverent awe, earnest obedience, and deep humility before the living God, shaping Christian ministry and daily conduct until the consummation of all things. Forms and Transliterations τρόμον τρομος τρόμος τρομου τρόμου τρομω τρόμω τρόμῳ tromo tromō trómoi trómōi tromos trómos tromou trómouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 16:8 N-NMSGRK: γὰρ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις NAS: from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment INT: indeed them trembling and amazement 1 Corinthians 2:3 N-DMS 2 Corinthians 7:15 N-GMS Ephesians 6:5 N-GMS Philippians 2:12 N-GMS Strong's Greek 5156 |
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