Original Word: ἐκφοβέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ekphobeó
Pronunciation: ek-fo-beh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-fob-eh'-o)
Definition: I frighten away, terrify.
Meaning: To terrify, to frighten greatly, to cause intense fear.

Word Origin: From the preposition ἐκ (ek, meaning "out of") and the verb φοβέω (phobéō, meaning "to fear" or "to frighten").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 3372: יָרֵא (yare) • to fear, to be afraid, to revere.
• Strong's Hebrew 6342: פָּחַד (pachad) • to tremble, to be in dread, to be in awe.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the notion of fear and reverence, often in the context of encountering the divine or experiencing God's mighty acts. The connection between the Greek ἐκφοβέω and these Hebrew terms reflects the continuity of the theme of fear and reverence throughout the biblical narrative.

Usage: The verb ἐκφοβέω is used in the New Testament to describe a state of being greatly frightened or terrified. It conveys a sense of overwhelming fear or alarm.

Context: The Greek verb ἐκφοβέω appears in the New Testament in contexts where individuals experience profound fear or terror. This term is often used to describe reactions to divine or supernatural encounters, where the presence or revelation of God or His messengers induces a deep sense of awe and fear.

In the Berean Standard Bible, ἐκφοβέω is notably used in Hebrews 12:21: "The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, 'I am trembling with fear.'" This passage refers to the Israelites' experience at Mount Sinai, where the manifestation of God's presence was so overwhelming that even Moses, the leader and prophet, expressed fear. The use of ἐκφοβέω here underscores the intensity of the encounter and the natural human response to the divine majesty and holiness.

The concept of fear in the biblical context often carries a dual aspect: it can denote both a reverential awe and a literal fear of God's power and judgment. In the case of ἐκφοβέω, the emphasis is on the latter, highlighting the human reaction to the extraordinary and the divine.

Cognate: 1629 ekphobéō – properly, frighten out of (one's wits), used only in 2 Cor 10:9. See 1630 (ekphobos).