### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **trómos**, represented by `{{G5156}}`, describes a **trembling** or quaking with fear. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, consistently depicting a profound physical and emotional response to an overwhelming situation, whether it be reverential awe or a sense of personal inadequacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5156}}` is almost always paired with the word for "fear." It describes the attitude believers should have when working out their salvation [[Philippians 2:12]] and the respectful obedience servants should show to masters [[Ephesians 6:5]]. Paul uses the term to describe his own state when he came to the Corinthians "in weakness, and in fear, and in much **trembling**" [[1 Corinthians 2:3]]. In the Gospel of Mark, it captures the physical reaction of the women who fled the empty sepulchre, as they **trembled** and were amazed by the resurrection [[Mark 16:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **trómos** appears:
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos** (fear): Defined as alarm or fright, this word is used alongside **trembling** in four of its five appearances. It establishes a sense of reverent awe or serious caution, as when believers are told to work out their salvation with **fear** and trembling [[Philippians 2:12]].
* `{{G769}}` **asthéneia** (weakness): This term signifies feebleness or frailty. Paul connects his own personal **weakness** directly with his state of "fear, and in much trembling" [[1 Corinthians 2:3]], suggesting that the physical trembling arises from a deep awareness of human frailty in the face of a divine task.
* `{{G1611}}` **ékstasis** (amazement): Meaning a displacement of the mind or bewilderment, this is paired with **trómos** to describe the reaction of the women at the empty tomb [[Mark 16:8]]. It shows that this trembling is not just from fear, but also from overwhelming astonishment at a miraculous event.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5156}}` is found in the physical response it demands in relationship to God and to divinely appointed responsibilities.
* **Reverential Obedience:** The instruction to obey "with fear and **trembling**" [[Ephesians 6:5]] and to work out salvation similarly [[Philippians 2:12]] elevates these actions. The trembling is not of a terrified slave, but an outward sign of a heart that takes its relationship with God with utmost seriousness and humility.
* **Apostolic Humility:** Paul's admission of being in "much **trembling**" [[1 Corinthians 2:3]] highlights the gravity of the apostolic mission. It demonstrates that even a chosen apostle felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and awe in his responsibility to preach the gospel.
* **Awe in the Face of the Divine:** The use of **trómos** at the empty sepulchre [[Mark 16:8]] establishes it as a proper and natural human reaction to a direct encounter with God's miraculous power. It is a physical manifestation of being in the presence of something holy and supernatural.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5156}}` is not simply about being afraid. It is a powerful word that conveys a physical state of **trembling** brought on by a profound internal attitude. Whether it is the humility of an apostle, the reverential obedience of a believer, or the astonishment of a witness to a miracle, **trómos** illustrates the appropriate physical and emotional response to the awesome reality of God and the weight of His calling.
TRV