### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **trémō**, represented by `{{G5141}}`, means to **tremble** or fear. It is a strengthened form of a primary word related to dread and terror. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently describing a physical response of trembling in situations of fear, awe, or confrontation with the divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5141}}` highlights a powerful, physical reaction to a divine encounter. When the woman with the issue of blood realizes she has been healed by Jesus and cannot hide, she comes **trembling** before Him to declare what happened [[Luke 8:47]]. A parallel account notes she was both "fearing and **trembling**" as she approached to tell the truth [[Mark 5:33]]. Similarly, after being confronted by the Lord on the road to Damascus, Saul is described as **trembling** and astonished [[Acts 9:6]]. The word is also used to describe the opposite quality in false teachers, who are so presumptuous that they are not **afraid** to speak evil of dignities [[2 Peter 2:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the emotional state associated with trembling:
* `{{G2284}}` **thambéō**: This word means to "stupefy (with surprise), i.e. astound". It is used alongside **trémō** in the account of Saul's conversion, where he is **trembling** and **astonished** by his encounter with the Lord [[Acts 9:6]].
* `{{G5399}}` **phobéō**: This term means to "be alarmed" or "to be in awe of, i.e. revere". It is explicitly paired with **trémō** in the account of the woman healed by Jesus, who came **fearing** and **trembling** [[Mark 5:33]], directly connecting the physical act with the emotion of reverential fear.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5141}}` is demonstrated in its specific contexts. It is not a word for common fear, but rather for a profound reaction to divine power.
* **Response to Divine Presence:** In three of its four uses, **trembling** is the physical reaction of a human being in the presence of Jesus or the Lord. It signifies an overwhelming sense of awe and recognition of divine authority ([[Luke 8:47]], [[Mark 5:33]], [[Acts 9:6]]).
* **A Sign of Humility:** The act of trembling precedes confession and submission. The woman confesses her actions, and Saul asks what the Lord wants him to do. This physical response marks a moment of human humility before divine power.
* **The Lack of Godly Fear:** The use of `{{G5141}}` in [[2 Peter 2:10]] is a negative example. The wicked are defined by their lack of fear or **trembling** in the face of spiritual authority, which highlights their arrogance and rebellion.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5141}}` is more than a simple term for shaking. It is a specific descriptor for the physical manifestation of awe, reverence, and fear in the presence of God's power. It illustrates the appropriate human response to a divine encounter, and its absence is used to characterize the prideful who refuse to acknowledge higher authority. From the healed woman to the converted Saul, **trémō** captures a moment of profound, bodily reaction to the reality of God.
TRV