Original Word: חָרֵד
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: chared
Pronunciation: khaw-RAYD
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-rade')
Definition: fearful, reverential
Meaning: Fearful, reverential

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G1169 (deiliaō) • to be cowardly, to fear
- G1629 (ektromē) • to be terrified
- G1839 (exthambeō) • to be greatly amazed, to be alarmed
- G2983 (lambanō) • to take, to receive (contextually related to receiving with fear)
- G3926 (paralambanō) • to take to oneself, to receive (contextually related to receiving with fear)
- G4422 (ptoeō) • to terrify, to frighten
- G5015 (tarassō) • to disturb, to trouble
- G5399 (phobeō) • to fear, to be afraid
- G5401 (phobos) • fear, terror, reverence

These Greek terms reflect similar themes of fear, reverence, and awe, illustrating the continuity of these concepts across both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.

Usage: The term חָרֵד (charad) is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a state of trembling or quaking, often in the context of fear or reverence. It can denote both a physical trembling and an emotional or spiritual response to a divine presence or command.

Context: The Hebrew word חָרֵד (charad) appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often conveying a sense of fear or reverence. This term is used to describe the reaction of individuals when confronted with the divine or when faced with overwhelming circumstances. It can imply a physical trembling or shaking, as well as an internal, emotional response.

In the context of reverence, חָרֵד is used to describe the appropriate response to God's majesty and holiness. For example, in Isaiah 66:2 (BSB), it is written, "Has not My hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the LORD. This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." Here, trembling at God's word signifies a deep respect and reverence for His commands.

In other instances, חָרֵד is used to describe fear in the face of danger or divine judgment. In 1 Samuel 4:13 (BSB), Eli is described as "sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God." This trembling reflects Eli's fear and anxiety over the fate of the Ark of the Covenant.

The term also appears in narratives where individuals experience a profound encounter with God, leading to a transformative fear or reverence. This dual aspect of fear and reverence underscores the complexity of human responses to the divine, highlighting both the awe-inspiring and fearsome nature of God's presence.

חָרֵד verbal adjective of foregoing, trembling; — חָרֵד Judges 7:3 3t.; חֲרֵדִים Isaiah 66:5; Ezra 10:3 — trembling (from fear), absolute Judges 7:3 ("" ירא), 1 Samuel 4:13 (subject לִבּוֺ, followed by עַל, for, in behalf of); in awe and reverence, at word of God, sq, בְּ Ezra 9:4; Isaiah 66:2 (followed by עַל), Isaiah 66:5 (followed by אֶל); compare ׳בְּמִצְוַת אל ׳ח Ezra 10:3.

afraid, trembling

From charad; fearful; also reverential -- afraid, trembling.

see HEBREW charad

הַחֲרֵדִ֖ים החרדים וְהַחֲרֵדִ֖ים וְחָרֵ֔ד וְחָרֵ֖ד והחרדים וחרד חָרֵ֔ד חָרֵד֙ חרד chaRed ha·ḥă·rê·ḏîm ḥā·rêḏ hachareDim haḥărêḏîm ḥārêḏ vechaRed vehachareDim wə·ha·ḥă·rê·ḏîm wə·ḥā·rêḏ wəhaḥărêḏîm wəḥārêḏInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts