### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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