from ἐν and φόβος; in fear, i.e. alarmed:--affrighted, afraid, tremble.
Transliteration:émphobos
Pronunciation:em'-fob-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἔμφοβος (émphobos), Strong's number `{{G1719}}`, is a compound adjective formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in," and the noun φόβος (phobos) `{{G5401}}`, meaning "fear" or "dread." Its literal meaning is therefore "in fear" or "filled with fear." The base definition provided, "in fear, i.e. alarmed," accurately captures its primary sense. The semantic range of ἔμφοβος extends beyond mere apprehension to denote a profound, often sudden, state of terror, alarm, or dread, frequently accompanied by physical manifestations like trembling. It signifies being overwhelmed by a sense of danger or the imposing presence of something or someone powerful, often leading to a loss of composure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔμφοβος appears in the New Testament, consistently describing a reaction of profound fear in the face of the supernatural or divine.
* In [[Luke 24:5]], the women who come to Jesus' tomb are described as ἔμφοβοι when two men in dazzling apparel appear before them. Their fear is a natural human response to an unexpected, supernatural encounter that signals the extraordinary.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 10:4]], Cornelius becomes ἔμφοβος when an angel of God appears to him in a vision. This instance again highlights the immediate and overwhelming fear induced by a divine messenger.
* In [[Acts 22:9]], Paul recounts that his companions on the road to Damascus, who saw the light but did not hear the voice, became ἔμφοβοι. Their fear stemmed from witnessing a powerful, inexplicable phenomenon that transcended their understanding.
In all these contexts, ἔμφοβος describes an immediate, powerful, and often disorienting fear that arises from direct confrontation with the transcendent or the miraculous. It is not a generalized anxiety but a specific reaction to a moment of divine intrusion into the human sphere.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἔμφοβος is closely related to its root, φόβος (phobos) `{{G5401}}`, which can signify both terror and reverential awe. While φόβος has a broader semantic range, ἔμφοβος specifically emphasizes the state of being *in* fear, often with an emphasis on alarm or dread.
Other related terms include:
* φοβέω (phobeo) `{{G5399}}`: The verb "to fear" or "to be afraid," which can also mean "to revere" or "to show respect."
* ἔκφοβος (ekphobos) `{{G1630}}`: Meaning "terrified" or "exceedingly afraid," emphasizing a fear that drives one "out of" composure. This term is used in [[Hebrews 12:21]] to describe Moses' intense fear at Sinai.
* τρόμος (tromos) `{{G5156}}`: Meaning "trembling" or "shaking," often paired with φόβος (e.g., "with fear and trembling") to describe the physical manifestation of profound fear or awe.
While ἔμφοβος describes the immediate and often overwhelming terror, it exists on a spectrum with φόβος `{{G5401}}` in its broader sense, which can encompass the "fear of the Lord"—a concept that transcends mere terror to signify profound reverence, submission, and awe.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of ἔμφοβος in the New Testament to describe human reactions to divine or supernatural encounters carries significant theological weight.
1. **Human Frailty and Divine Power:** The state of being ἔμφοβος underscores the vast chasm between finite humanity and infinite divinity. It highlights the natural human response of being overwhelmed and humbled in the presence of God's power, holiness, or His messengers.
2. **The Awe-Inspiring Nature of Revelation:** The instances where ἔμφοβος occurs are often moments of divine revelation or intervention. This suggests that God's self-disclosure, even when gracious, is inherently overwhelming and can initially evoke a profound sense of fear or dread. It is a reminder that encountering the numinous is not a casual experience but one that profoundly impacts the human psyche.
3. **Preparation for Divine Message:** While initially terrifying, this state of being ἔμφοβος often precedes a divine message of comfort or instruction (e.g., the angels at the tomb, the angel to Cornelius). The fear serves to humble and prepare the individual to receive the divine word, ensuring that the message is received with due seriousness and attention.
4. **Distinction from "Fear of the Lord":** While ἔμφοβος describes a state of terror, it is distinct from the theological concept of the "fear of the Lord" (e.g., φόβος `{{G5401}}` Κυρίου). The latter is a cultivated reverence, respect, and obedience that leads to wisdom and life, whereas ἔμφοβος is an immediate, often involuntary, emotional response to a perceived threat or overwhelming presence. However, the experience of ἔμφοβος can certainly lead one towards a deeper, more reverential "fear of the Lord."
### Summary
ἔμφοβος (émphobos) `{{G1719}}` is a potent Greek term signifying a state of being "in fear," "alarmed," or "terrified." Etymologically derived from ἐν (in) and φόβος (fear) `{{G5401}}`, its core meaning emphasizes an immediate and overwhelming experience of dread. In the New Testament, ἔμφοβος is consistently employed to describe the profound human reaction to encounters with the supernatural or divine, such as angelic appearances ([[Luke 24:5]], [[Acts 10:4]]) or powerful spiritual manifestations ([[Acts 22:9]]). This term highlights the immense power and holiness of God, demonstrating the natural human response of humility and awe in the face of the transcendent. While distinct from the reverential "fear of the Lord," the experience of being ἔμφοβος often serves as a humbling prelude to divine comfort or revelation, underscoring the majestic and awe-inspiring nature of God's interaction with humanity.
TRV