### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G5156 (τρόμος, *trómos*) derives from the verb τρέμω (*tremō*), meaning "to tremble" or "to quake." Its core meaning, therefore, is a physical trembling or quaking. However, its semantic range extends beyond mere physical sensation to encompass a deep internal state that manifests externally. This "trembling" is almost invariably associated with intense emotion, particularly fear, awe, or reverence. It implies a profound response to a significant stimulus, often divine or authoritative, indicating a humble, serious, or even submissive posture. It is not necessarily a negative emotion of terror, but can signify a reverential awe in the presence of holiness or power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5156 appears five times in the New Testament, frequently in the idiomatic phrase "with fear and trembling" (μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου).
* **[[1 Corinthians 2:3]]**: Paul describes his initial arrival in Corinth: "And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling." Here, τρόμος underscores Paul's profound humility and sense of inadequacy in his own strength or rhetorical ability. His trembling signifies his complete reliance on the power of God, ensuring that the efficacy of the gospel message would be clearly attributed to divine power, not human wisdom or eloquence.
* **[[2 Corinthians 7:15]]**: Speaking of the Corinthians' reception of Titus, Paul notes, "And his affection is even more abundant for you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling." In this context, the "fear and trembling" reflects the Corinthians' respectful, submissive, and perhaps awe-filled attitude towards Paul's representative. It suggests a posture of humility and readiness to obey, indicating their repentance and renewed commitment.
* **[[Ephesians 6:5]]**: Slaves are exhorted: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ." This passage employs τρόμος to describe a diligent, conscientious, and respectful obedience. It is not about being terrified of one's master, but about a serious and sincere reverence for the authority figure, performing duties as if directly serving Christ, with a profound sense of responsibility and integrity.
* **[[Philippians 2:12]]**: Perhaps the most significant theological usage: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, so now, even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." This command does not imply uncertainty about one's salvation or a need to earn it. Rather, "fear and trembling" here signifies a profound sense of awe before God's holiness, a serious awareness of the gravity of living in His presence, and diligent, earnest effort in applying the implications of salvation to one's daily life. It is a call to active, reverent obedience and sanctification, motivated by a deep respect for God's work within them.
* **[[Hebrews 12:21]]**: Describing the terrifying manifestation of God at Mount Sinai, the author quotes Moses: "So terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 'I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.'" This instance clearly links τρόμος to intense, overwhelming fear and awe in the face of a direct, terrifying divine encounter. It highlights the natural human response to God's unapproachable holiness and power.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τρέμω (tremō):** The root verb from which G5156 is derived, meaning "to tremble" or "to quake." It denotes the physical action underlying the noun.
* **φόβος (phobos) `{{G5401}}`:** Meaning "fear," "dread," "reverence," or "awe." This word is almost invariably paired with τρόμος in the New Testament (e.g., "with fear and trembling"), indicating that τρόμος is the outward manifestation of the internal state of φόβος, which itself can range from terror to reverential awe.
* **εὐλάβεια (eulabeia) `{{G2124}}`:** Meaning "reverence," "piety," "caution," or "awe." While not directly paired with τρόμος, εὐλάβεια captures a similar sense of respectful awe and carefulness in the presence of the divine.
* **ὑπακοή (hypakoē) `{{G5218}}`:** Meaning "obedience." In contexts like [[Ephesians 6:5]] and [[2 Corinthians 7:15]], "fear and trembling" is closely linked to a sincere and diligent obedience, suggesting that such a posture is conducive to faithful submission.
* **ἔργον (ergon) `{{G2041}}`:** Meaning "work" or "deed." In [[Philippians 2:12]], the "working out" of salvation implies active, diligent effort, which is to be done "with fear and trembling," signifying the earnestness and seriousness required.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5156 (τρόμος) is multifaceted, extending beyond mere physical trembling to encompass profound spiritual realities.
1. **Response to Divine Presence and Authority:** τρόμος frequently signifies a proper human response to the overwhelming holiness, power, and authority of God. As seen in [[Hebrews 12:21]], the trembling of Moses before Sinai underscores the unapproachable majesty of God. Similarly, the "fear and trembling" in other contexts (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 7:15]], [[Ephesians 6:5]]) indicates a respectful and submissive posture towards divine representatives or divinely ordained authority.
2. **Humility and Dependence:** Paul's "fear and trembling" in [[1 Corinthians 2:3]] exemplifies a deep humility and radical dependence on God's power rather than human wisdom or strength. It is a posture of self-emptying weakness that paradoxically allows God's power to be fully manifest.
3. **Conscientious Obedience and Diligence:** In passages like [[Ephesians 6:5]], τρόμος denotes a diligent, sincere, and reverent obedience to legitimate authority, understood as ultimately serving Christ. This is not a servile fear but a profound sense of responsibility and integrity.
4. **Earnestness in Sanctification:** The command in [[Philippians 2:12]] to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" is a cornerstone of its theological import. This does not suggest uncertainty regarding one's salvation, which is a gift of grace, but rather a serious, earnest, and reverent application of one's salvation in daily life. It is a call to active, holy living, motivated by awe for God's indwelling presence and a sober understanding of the profound implications of His work within the believer. It reflects a deep respect for the divine gift and the divine Giver, compelling believers to live lives commensurate with their high calling.
### Summary
G5156 (τρόμος), "trembling" or "quaking," is a term rich in theological nuance. While denoting a physical manifestation, its deeper meaning, particularly when paired with φόβος (fear/awe), points to a profound internal state. It can signify intense terror in the face of divine power ([[Hebrews 12:21]]), but more often it conveys a reverent awe, deep humility, and conscientious diligence in the presence of God or in the pursuit of righteous living. From Paul's humble reliance on God's power in ministry ([[1 Corinthians 2:3]]) to the believer's diligent pursuit of holiness in sanctification ([[Philippians 2:12]]), τρόμος underscores a serious, respectful, and awe-filled engagement with the divine. It encapsulates a profound recognition of God's majesty and a corresponding commitment to live in accordance with His will, demonstrating a proper, reverent response to His holiness and His commands.
TRV