(Aramaic) corresponding to זוּעַ; to shake (with fear); tremble.
Transliteration:zûwaʻ
Pronunciation:zoo'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb זוּעַ (zûwaʻ), Strong's `{{H2112}}`, carries the core meaning of "to shake" or "to tremble," specifically in response to fear, dread, or awe. It describes an involuntary physical agitation, often indicative of a profound emotional state of alarm or terror. This term is the Aramaic equivalent of the less frequently used Hebrew זוּעַ `{{H2111}}`, maintaining a consistent semantic range across the two closely related languages. The emphasis is not merely on physical movement, but on the internal experience of fear that manifests outwardly as trembling. It suggests a loss of composure or stability in the face of an overwhelming presence or threat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic זוּעַ `{{H2112}}` appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, within the Aramaic sections, providing crucial insights into the nature of fear and divine sovereignty.
1. **[[Daniel 5:19]]**: "Because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him." Here, זוּעַ describes the profound and widespread fear inspired by King Nebuchadnezzar. The context is the immense, divinely-bestowed power of the Babylonian monarch, which instilled terror in his subjects. This trembling is a response to absolute human authority and the potential for severe, arbitrary judgment. It highlights the oppressive and fear-inducing nature of unchecked earthly power.
2. **[[Daniel 6:26]]**: "I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel." In this verse, King Darius issues a decree after Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lion's den. The command to "tremble and fear" before the God of Daniel uses זוּעַ in a context of reverential awe. Unlike the fear described in [[Daniel 5:19]], which was a response to human tyranny, this trembling is a commanded response to the manifest power and sovereignty of the living God. It signifies a recognition of divine supremacy and an appropriate posture of reverence and submission.
In both instances, זוּעַ denotes a physical manifestation of fear, but the object and nature of that fear differ significantly. In [[Daniel 5:19]], it is the fear of a powerful, albeit human, king. In [[Daniel 6:26]], it is a commanded, worshipful fear before the Almighty God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "trembling" or "shaking" due to fear or awe is common in biblical literature, expressed through various Hebrew and Aramaic terms.
* **זוּעַ `{{H2111}}` (Hebrew cognate)**: Though rare, it shares the same root and meaning of shaking or trembling.
* **פַּחַד `{{H6343}}` (pachad)**: A common Hebrew noun meaning "dread" or "terror," often associated with the fear of God or a formidable enemy.
* **יָרֵא `{{H3372}}` (yare)**: A fundamental Hebrew verb meaning "to fear," which can range from terror to profound reverence ("fear of the Lord"). While יָרֵא describes the internal state, זוּעַ describes its physical manifestation.
* **רָגַז `{{H7264}}` (ragaz)**: To tremble, be agitated, often implying anger, distress, or indignation, but also fear.
* **חָרַד `{{H2729}}` (charad)**: To tremble, be anxious, or be afraid, often with a sense of holy dread or awe in the presence of the divine.
זוּעַ `{{H2112}}` specifically highlights the outward, physical reaction, making the internal fear palpable. It complements these other terms by focusing on the visible impact of overwhelming emotion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זוּעַ `{{H2112}}` in Daniel is profound, particularly in its dual application.
Firstly, in [[Daniel 5:19]], it illustrates the transient and ultimately misplaced nature of fear directed solely at human power. While Nebuchadnezzar's might was immense and divinely granted, the fear he inspired was still subject to God's ultimate decree. This serves as a theological backdrop, demonstrating that even the most formidable human authority is subservient to the divine will.
Secondly, and more significantly, in [[Daniel 6:26]], זוּעַ becomes an commanded response to the revelation of God's absolute sovereignty and miraculous power. King Darius, a pagan monarch, commands his subjects to "tremble and fear" before Yahweh. This is not merely terror but a call to reverential awe, acknowledging the unique and supreme power of the God who delivers His servants from the impossible. This fear is a form of worship, a recognition of divine holiness and might that demands a profound, humbling response. It aligns with the broader biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord" (יראת יהוה), which is the beginning of wisdom and true knowledge of God. The physical trembling signifies the overwhelming nature of encountering the Living God.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb זוּעַ `{{H2112}}` denotes a physical shaking or trembling, primarily induced by fear, dread, or awe. Its occurrences in the book of Daniel are pivotal, illustrating two distinct facets of this trembling: first, the fear inspired by formidable human power ([[Daniel 5:19]]), which is ultimately shown to be fleeting and subordinate to God's authority; and second, the commanded, reverential awe before the Almighty God ([[Daniel 6:26]]), signifying a proper response to His revealed sovereignty and miraculous acts. זוּעַ thus powerfully conveys the physical manifestation of both human-induced terror and divine-mandated worshipful fear, underscoring the overarching theme of God's supreme power and the appropriate human response to it.
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