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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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