### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ékphobos**, represented by `{{G1630}}`, is defined as being frightened out of one's wits, sore afraid, or to exceedingly fear. It is derived from ἐκ and φόβος. This specific term appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating its use for describing a particularly intense level of fear.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{G1630}}` is used to describe a profound state of fear in response to an overwhelming event. In the context of a "terrible sight," Moses `{{G3475}}` is quoted as saying, "I **exceedingly fear** and quake" [[Hebrews 12:21]]. The word is also used to explain a state of confusion and speechlessness, where it is noted that someone "wist not what to say; for they were **sore afraid**" [[Mark 9:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and intensity of the fear described by `{{G1630}}`:
* `{{G5398}}` **phoberós** (terrible): This word, meaning frightful or formidable, describes the sight that prompted the fear in Moses [[Hebrews 12:21]].
* `{{G1790}}` **éntromos** (quake): Used alongside **ékphobos**, this term describes a physical reaction of trembling or quaking, showing the fear was not merely emotional but had a bodily effect [[Hebrews 12:21]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to know): This word appears in the phrase "he wist not," meaning he did not know what to say, directly linking the state of being "sore afraid" to a loss of rational thought or composure [[Mark 9:6]].
* `{{G5324}}` **phantázō** (sight): This word, meaning a spectacle or that which appears, is the direct object that caused the fear. The "sight" was so terrible it made Moses exceedingly fear [[Hebrews 12:21]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1630}}` highlights a level of fear that is both psychological and physiological.
* **A Response to the Divine:** The term is used in the context of Moses' reaction to a "terrible sight" associated with God's presence, indicating that such profound fear can be a human response to a divine manifestation [[Hebrews 12:21]].
* **Fear Inducing Speechlessness:** The fear is so overwhelming that it can lead to a state of confusion where a person does not know what to say, as seen in [[Mark 9:6]].
* **A Physical Manifestation:** The word is paired with **éntromos** `{{G1790}}`, or "quake," to show that this is a full-body experience, an uncontrollable terror that manifests physically [[Hebrews 12:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1630}}` is not a word for common anxiety or apprehension. It signifies an extreme terror that frightens someone out of their wits. Its biblical applications in [[Mark 9:6]] and [[Hebrews 12:21]] illustrate a fear so profound that it overwhelms a person's ability to speak and can cause them to physically tremble, often in response to an awe-inspiring or terrible event.
TRV