from חָרַד; fearful; also reverential; afraid, trembling.
Transliteration:chârêd
Pronunciation:khaw-rade'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָרֵד (chârêd, `{{H2730}}`) is an adjective derived from the verbal root חָרַד (chârad, `{{H2729}}`), meaning "to tremble, to be anxious, to be startled, to be afraid." As an adjective, חָרֵד describes one who is in a state of fear, trembling, or apprehension. Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing both a negative, debilitating fear (terror, dread, anxiety) and a positive, reverential fear (awe, profound respect). The core concept often implies a physical manifestation, such as trembling or shaking, in response to a powerful stimulus, whether a threat or a divine presence. Thus, חָרֵד can denote a person who is "afraid," "fearful," or "trembling," but also one who is "reverent" or "awe-struck."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חָרֵד in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its dual semantic capacity.
In instances of fear and alarm, the term describes a natural human response to danger or overwhelming circumstances:
* In [[1 Samuel 4:13]], Eli is described as חָרֵד for the ark of God, indicating his profound anxiety and fear for its safety, which was intertwined with the fate of Israel.
* [[1 Samuel 13:7]] depicts the people of Israel as חָרֵד when scattered from Saul, highlighting their terror and dismay in the face of the Philistine threat.
* [[Deuteronomy 28:66]] uses חָרֵד to describe a heart that will be "trembling" with fear, a consequence of disobedience and divine judgment, emphasizing a state of constant dread.
Conversely, חָרֵד is powerfully employed to convey a positive, reverential awe, particularly in relation to God and His word:
* Perhaps the most significant theological usage is found in [[Isaiah 66:2]], where the Lord declares, "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word (חָרֵד)." Here, חָרֵד signifies not terror, but a profound humility, submission, and reverence before divine revelation and authority. It is an attitude of deep respect and obedience.
* Similarly, in the post-exilic period, [[Ezra 9:4]] and [[Ezra 10:3]] speak of those who "trembled at the words of the God of Israel" or "tremble at the commandment of our God." This trembling is indicative of a godly sorrow for sin, a commitment to repentance, and a profound respect for the divine covenant and law. It marks a sincere desire to align one's life with God's will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to חָרֵד is its verbal root, חָרַד (chârad, `{{H2729}}`), which primarily means "to tremble, be startled, be anxious." The adjective חָרֵד describes the state of one who is חָרַד.
Other significant Hebrew words for "fear" include:
* ירא (yare', `{{H3372}}`): This is a very common and broad term for "to fear." While חָרֵד often emphasizes the *physical manifestation* of trembling or the *active state* of being afraid/reverent, ירא can be more general, encompassing both terror and reverential awe. ירא is frequently used for "the fear of the Lord" (e.g., [[Proverbs 1:7]]), a foundational concept in Israelite wisdom literature, which refers to a profound and respectful submission to God. While ירא can denote a general awe, חָרֵד adds the nuance of a physical, visceral response, a trembling before the divine.
* פחד (pachad, `{{H6342}}`): This term often conveys a stronger sense of "dread" or "terror," a more intense and often negative form of fear.
* בהל (bahal, `{{H926}}`): To be "terrified," "dismayed," or "hastened by fear."
While these terms share the semantic domain of fear, חָרֵד uniquely highlights the *trembling* aspect, making it particularly apt for describing the physical and emotional response to both overwhelming danger and overwhelming holiness. Its use in contexts of "trembling at God's word" sets it apart, emphasizing a specific kind of internal and external reverence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָרֵד is profound, particularly in its positive application. The concept of "trembling at God's word" ([[Isaiah 66:2]]) encapsulates a vital aspect of biblical piety. This is not a servile fear born of terror, but a deep, humble reverence that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and the authoritative nature of His revealed will. It signifies:
1. **Humility and Contrition:** The one who trembles at God's word is characterized by a humble and contrite spirit, recognizing their own unworthiness and dependence on divine grace. This humility leads to a readiness to obey.
2. **Responsiveness to Revelation:** It denotes an attentive and receptive heart, one that takes God's word with utmost seriousness, allowing it to penetrate deeply and shape one's life. It is a profound respect for the power and truth of divine utterance.
3. **Obedience and Righteousness:** In Ezra, trembling at the commandment of God is linked to repentance and a commitment to uphold the covenant, demonstrating that true reverence leads to ethical conduct and obedience to divine law.
4. **Distinction from Worldly Fear:** The biblical narrative often contrasts the fear of God with the fear of man or worldly circumstances. While חָרֵד can describe both, its most elevated usage points to a fear that purifies and strengthens faith, rather than paralyzing it. The one who trembles before God need not tremble before anything else.
### Summary
חָרֵד (chârêd, `{{H2730}}`) is a Hebrew adjective signifying a state of being "fearful" or "trembling," derived from the root חָרַד (chârad, `{{H2729}}`). Its semantic range is dual: it can denote a negative, debilitating fear in the face of danger or judgment, as seen in [[1 Samuel 4:13]] and [[Deuteronomy 28:66]]. However, its profound theological significance emerges in its positive application, describing a reverential awe and humble submission before God. The phrase "trembling at My word" in [[Isaiah 66:2]] exemplifies this, indicating a heart that is receptive, obedient, and deeply respectful of divine authority and holiness. Thus, חָרֵד captures both the vulnerability of humanity and the appropriate, worshipful response to the majesty of the Almighty.
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