The Greek word émphobos, represented by G1719, is defined as being in fear or alarmed. Derived from ἐν and φόβος, its biblical usage translates to being affrighted, afraid, or to tremble. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, consistently describing a state of fear in response to a significant event.
In the biblical narrative, G1719 is consistently used to portray a reaction to a divine or supernatural encounter. The women at the empty tomb became afraid upon seeing the angels Luke 24:5, and the disciples were affrighted when they first saw the resurrected Jesus, believing him to be a spirit Luke 24:37. This response is also seen when an angel appears to Cornelius, who became afraid Acts 10:4. Similarly, the remnant in Revelation were affrighted by a great earthquake and subsequently gave glory to God Revelation 11:13. The word can also describe a fear stemming from conviction, as when Felix trembled while Paul reasoned about righteousness and the judgment to come Acts 24:25.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of G1719:
- G1096 gínomai: This word, meaning to become or to come into being, is frequently paired with G1719 to describe the state of becoming afraid or affrighted (Luke 24:37, Acts 10:4, Acts 22:9, Acts 24:25, Revelation 11:13).
- G2827 klínō: Meaning to slant or slope, this term describes a physical posture accompanying the fear of G1719. The women at the tomb were afraid and bowed down their faces to the earth Luke 24:5.
- G4422 ptoéō: Meaning to scare, this word is used alongside G1719 to intensify the emotional state. The disciples were terrified and affrighted when they saw Jesus, indicating a profound level of fear Luke 24:37.
The theological weight of G1719 is demonstrated in its specific contexts. It highlights the natural human reaction to direct encounters with the divine and the holy.
- Response to Divine Manifestation: The word is a key indicator of the chasm between the human and the divine. Appearances of angels (Luke 24:5, Acts 10:4), the resurrected Christ Luke 24:37, and a heavenly light Acts 22:9 all provoke this alarmed response.
- Conviction and Judgment: The experience of Felix shows that this fear is not limited to supernatural sights. The power of God's word concerning righteousness and judgment can produce an internal state of being alarmed or trembling Acts 24:25.
- Fear Leading to Reverence: In some instances, this fear is a prelude to worship. After the remnant were affrighted by the great earthquake, they "gave glory to the God of heaven," suggesting that this type of fear can lead to a proper recognition of God's power Revelation 11:13.
In summary, G1719 is more than a simple term for fear. It specifically denotes the alarm and fright that arises in the presence of the supernatural or in the face of divine truth. Its usage captures the profound human response to divine revelation, whether through a vision, a miraculous event, or the convicting message of the gospel. This state of being émphobos often precedes a pivotal moment of choice: to either recoil like Felix or to respond in reverence and worship.
TRV