from זוּעַ; agitation, fear; be removed, trouble, vexation. Compare זַעֲוָה.
Transliteration:zᵉvâʻâh
Pronunciation:zev-aw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun זְוָעָה (zᵉvâʻâh, `{{H2113}}`) derives from the verbal root זוּעַ (zûaʿ), which signifies "to tremble," "to shake," or "to be agitated." As a noun, זְוָעָה captures the *state* or *effect* of such intense disturbance. Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Agitation/Trembling:** The most direct meaning, indicating a profound physical or emotional shaking.
* **Fear/Terror/Dread:** A common consequence of intense agitation, referring to an overwhelming sense of panic, dread, or fright, often in the face of an imposing or threatening presence.
* **Trouble/Vexation:** A broader sense of distress, affliction, or a state of being greatly disturbed and unsettled.
* **Removal/Displacement:** Implied by the agitation, a forceful unsettling or being made to "tremble out of place," suggesting a state of being dislodged or driven away due to intense fear or divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זְוָעָה appears relatively infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant, predominantly in contexts of divine judgment or overwhelming divine presence.
* In [[Deuteronomy 28:25]], as part of the covenant curses, Israel is warned, "You shall be a זְוָעָה (terror/object of dread) to all the kingdoms of the earth." Here, זְוָעָה denotes the state of being so afflicted by divine judgment that one becomes an object of fear and alarm to surrounding nations.
* Similar usage is found in [[2 Chronicles 29:8]] and [[Jeremiah 15:4]], where Judah and Jerusalem are made a זְוָעָה (object of terror/horror) due to their unfaithfulness and Manasseh's sins, respectively. In these instances, the word is often paralleled with terms like "horror," "hissing," or "reproach," emphasizing utter desolation and a fearful example.
* [[Jeremiah 24:9]] reiterates this theme, stating that the exiles will be made a זְוָעָה (horror/evil) to all the kingdoms where they are scattered, a public demonstration of divine retribution.
* [[Ezekiel 23:46]] presents a slight nuance, describing the judgment upon Oholah and Oholibah: "Bring up a multitude against them, and give them over to זְוָעָה (terror) and plunder." Here, זְוָעָה refers more directly to the *experience* of terror and agitation inflicted upon them.
* A distinct and powerful usage occurs in [[Daniel 10:7]], where Daniel recounts a vision: "And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great זְוָעָה (trembling/agitation) fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves." In this context, זְוָעָה describes a profound, inexplicable, and overwhelming physical and emotional tremor that seizes individuals in the immediate, albeit unseen, presence of a divine being. It is a visceral reaction to the transcendent.
Across these contexts, זְוָעָה consistently points to an extreme state of disturbance, whether as the outcome of divine judgment or the effect of divine encounter.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root זוּעַ (zûaʿ):** The foundational verbal root, meaning "to tremble" or "to shake," directly underpins the noun's core meaning of agitation and instability.
* **זַעֲוָה (zaʿăwâ, `{{H2119}}`):** This closely related noun, also derived from זוּעַ, shares a nearly identical semantic range, often translated as "trembling," "terror," or "dread." It appears in passages like [[Deuteronomy 32:25]] and [[Isaiah 28:19]], frequently denoting the terror brought by God's judgment or the overwhelming fear of the unknown. The interchangeability in meaning highlights the intensity of the fear described.
* **Other terms for fear and trembling:**
* פַּחַד (paḥad, `{{H6343}}`): "dread, terror, fear," often used for a general sense of apprehension or specific fright.
* יִרְאָה (yir'ah, `{{H3374}}`): "fear, awe," which can denote both reverential fear of God and general dread.
* חָרָדָה (ḥārādâ, `{{H2731}}`): "trembling, anxiety," derived from חָרַד (ḥārad, `{{H2729}}`) "to tremble, be anxious," emphasizing a physical reaction.
* **Key Concepts:** Divine judgment, the consequences of sin and disobedience, human vulnerability, the overwhelming power and holiness of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of זְוָעָה are profound, illuminating aspects of God's character and humanity's relationship with Him.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The predominant use of זְוָעָה in judgment contexts powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His capacity to execute righteous judgment. He is not merely a passive observer but an active agent who can bring about such a state of terror upon nations or individuals as a consequence of their sin and covenant unfaithfulness. This serves as a stark warning and demonstrates the severity of divine wrath.
* **The Terrifying Aspect of the Fear of the Lord:** While "fear of the Lord" often connotes reverential awe and worshipful submission, זְוָעָה highlights the more terrifying and punitive dimension of God's power. It is a fear born of experiencing His righteous anger and the devastating consequences of rebellion, serving as a deterrent against sin.
* **Human Frailty in the Divine Presence:** The instance in Daniel ([[Daniel 10:7]]) is particularly revealing of human vulnerability. Even those not directly seeing the vision are overcome by an inexplicable זְוָעָה, demonstrating that God's unmediated presence is inherently overwhelming and cannot be approached without profound spiritual and physical disruption. This emphasizes the chasm between human finitude and divine infinitude, underscoring the necessity of divine grace and mediation for humanity to stand before a holy God.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The repeated association of זְוָעָה with the curses of the covenant in Deuteronomy and the prophetic pronouncements against Judah and Jerusalem emphasizes that this state of terror is not arbitrary but a just recompense for forsaking the Lord. It serves as a public and lasting testimony to the severe consequences of sin.
### Summary
The Hebrew term זְוָעָה (zᵉvâʻâh, `{{H2113}}`) signifies a state of profound "agitation," "fear," or "terror," rooted in the concept of trembling. Its biblical usage reveals two primary theological thrusts: first, it describes the outcome of divine judgment, where nations or individuals become an object of dread and horror to others due to God's punitive actions for their disobedience (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:25]], [[Jeremiah 15:4]]). This highlights God's righteous sovereignty and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Second, זְוָעָה depicts the overwhelming, visceral trembling and fear experienced by humanity in the immediate, albeit sometimes unseen, presence of the divine (e.g., [[Daniel 10:7]]), underscoring human frailty and the awe-inspiring, sometimes terrifying, holiness of God. Closely related to זַעֲוָה (`{{H2119}}`), זְוָעָה powerfully conveys the punitive aspect of the "fear of the Lord" and serves as a solemn reminder of the unapproachable nature of God's unmediated presence and the dire consequences of sin.
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