a primitive root; properly, to shake off, i.e. (figuratively) to agitate (as with fear); move, tremble, vex.
Transliteration:zûwaʻ
Pronunciation:zoo'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew (specifically Aramaic in its biblical occurrences) root H2111 (זוּעַ, *zûwaʻ*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to shake off." This literal sense extends metaphorically and figuratively to denote a state of agitation, often induced by fear or overwhelming power. Its semantic range encompasses "to move," "to tremble," and "to vex." The underlying concept is one of involuntary motion, instability, or deep internal disturbance, most frequently manifesting as a physical or emotional tremor in response to a significant external force or authority. It speaks to a profound impact that causes one to be unsettled or to quiver.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H2111 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, occurring twice. Its limited usage, however, belies its significant impact within these specific contexts.
1. **[[Daniel 5:19]]**: Here, the word describes the reaction of "all peoples, nations, and languages" to the immense authority and power granted by God to King Nebuchadnezzar. The text states that "because of the greatness of the authority that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled (וְזוּעִין - *wəzûʻîn*) and feared (וְדָחֲלִין - *wəḏāḥălîn*) before him." In this instance, H2111 signifies a profound, awe-filled trembling that borders on terror, induced by the overwhelming human imperial power. It is a response of submission and dread to a formidable earthly ruler.
2. **[[Daniel 6:26]]**: This verse presents a decree from King Darius, stating, "I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom people are to tremble (וְזוּעִין - *wəzûʻîn*) and fear (וְדָחֲלִין - *wəḏāḥălîn*) before the God of Daniel." Here, the object of the trembling and fear shifts from a human king to the Almighty God. The same Aramaic word is used, but the context elevates its meaning. It is not merely terror before power, but a commanded reverence and acknowledgment of divine sovereignty. The trembling here implies a humble and reverent awe before the living God, who is shown to be superior to all earthly powers.
In both occurrences, H2111 is paired with the Aramaic word `{{H1718}}` (*dachal*), meaning "to fear" or "to be afraid," indicating a strong connection between the physical manifestation of trembling and the internal emotion of fear or awe.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Hebrew and Aramaic words share semantic overlap with H2111 in conveying the idea of trembling, fear, or agitation:
* `{{H1718}}` (דְּחַל, *dachal*): The Aramaic word frequently paired with H2111 in Daniel, meaning "to fear" or "to be afraid." This highlights the emotional component often accompanying the physical trembling.
* `{{H2729}}` (חָרַד, *charad*): A common Hebrew word meaning "to tremble," "to be afraid," or "to be anxious." It often describes a trembling born of fear, particularly in the presence of divine manifestation or judgment.
* `{{H7461}}` (רָעַד, *ra'ad*): Another Hebrew term signifying "to tremble" or "to quake," often referring to physical shaking due to fear, cold, or weakness.
* `{{H6342}}` (פָּחַד, *pachad*): A Hebrew word meaning "to dread," "to fear," or "to tremble." It can denote a deep, unsettling fear.
The concept of "trembling" is also linked to:
* **Awe and Reverence**: A respectful fear of a superior being or power.
* **Terror and Dread**: A more intense and unsettling fear, often associated with judgment or danger.
* **Divine Sovereignty**: The absolute rule and power of God, which elicits such responses from humanity.
* **Human Frailty**: The recognition of human weakness and vulnerability in the face of overwhelming power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2111 is profound, particularly in its dual application within Daniel. It serves as a powerful descriptor of the appropriate human response to ultimate power.
Initially, in [[Daniel 5:19]], it portrays the trembling induced by a great human king's authority. This highlights the human tendency to fear and submit to earthly dominion. However, the subsequent use in [[Daniel 6:26]] elevates the concept. When King Darius decrees that people should "tremble and fear before the God of Daniel," it signifies a crucial theological shift. The same intense physical and emotional response previously given to a human monarch is now rightly directed towards the Creator.
This transition underscores several key theological truths:
1. **God's Supreme Sovereignty**: The fact that God can bestow such terrifying power on a human king ([[Daniel 5:19]]) and then demand the same, if not greater, reverence for Himself ([[Daniel 6:26]]) demonstrates His ultimate and absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms.
2. **The "Fear of the Lord"**: H2111 contributes to the rich biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord." This is not merely a servile terror, but a profound, reverent awe that acknowledges God's majesty, holiness, and power. It is a trembling born of deep respect and submission, recognizing one's own creaturely status before the Divine. Such fear is presented as the proper posture for all humanity before the living God, leading to wisdom and obedience.
3. **Contrast of Earthly vs. Divine Power**: The word subtly contrasts the temporary and delegated power of human empires with the eternal and inherent power of God. While human power can elicit trembling, it is God's power that truly warrants such a response, as it is the source of all authority and the ultimate arbiter of destiny.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H2111 (זוּעַ, *zûwaʻ*) fundamentally means "to shake off" and extends to "to tremble," "to agitate," or "to vex," primarily due to fear or overwhelming power. Its two occurrences in the book of Daniel are highly significant. In [[Daniel 5:19]], it describes the trembling response to a powerful human king, Nebuchadnezzar. Crucially, in [[Daniel 6:26]], it is used to command the same trembling and fear before the God of Daniel. This dual usage highlights the theological truth of God's supreme sovereignty, demonstrating that the profound awe and reverent fear due to ultimate power belong to Him alone. H2111 thus encapsulates a deep, often involuntary, physical and emotional response to overwhelming authority, ultimately pointing to the proper posture of humanity before the majestic and living God.
TRV