### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chărâdâh**, represented by `{{H2731}}`, denotes a powerful sense of **fear** or **trembling**. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition includes fear, anxiety, and quaking, but it can also signify diligent **care** or be used idiomatically to mean **exceedingly**, indicating a state of intense physical or emotional agitation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2731}}` describes a wide range of intense reactions. It is used to capture Isaac's profound shock when he "trembled very **exceedingly**" after realizing Jacob's deception [[Genesis 27:33]]. It also depicts a supernatural event, where a "great **quaking**" from a divine vision fell upon Daniel's companions, causing them to flee [[Daniel 10:7]]. In the context of war, the Philistine army experienced a **trembling** in their host that escalated into "a very great **trembling**" caused by God [[1 Samuel 14:15]]. In a unique instance, the word conveys solicitous concern, where Elisha acknowledges the Shunammite woman's "all this **care**" for him [[2 Kings 4:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of **chărâdâh**:
* `{{H2729}}` **chârad**: This is the primitive root verb meaning to shudder with terror, quake, or tremble. It is the direct source of `{{H2731}}` and often appears with it to emphasize the action, as when Isaac **trembled** `{{H2729}}` with an exceeding great **trembling** `{{H2731}}` [[Genesis 27:33]].
* `{{H6343}}` **pachad**: This word refers to a sudden alarm, dread, or terror. It is used alongside `{{H2731}}` to describe a future time of distress, characterized by a "voice of **trembling** `{{H2731}}`, of **fear** `{{H6343}}`, and not of peace" [[Jeremiah 30:5]].
* `{{H7264}}` **râgaz**: Signifying a violent quivering or shaking, this verb is used when the earth itself **quaked** `{{H7264}}` in concert with the great **trembling** `{{H2731}}` that seized the Philistine army [[1 Samuel 14:15]].
* `{{H6427}}` **pallâtsûwth**: Meaning affright, fearfulness, or horror, this term appears with `{{H2731}}` in Isaiah's lament that his pleasure has been turned into **fear** `{{H2731}}` because **fearfulness** `{{H6427}}` has affrighted him [[Isaiah 21:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2731}}` is significant, often highlighting the human response to divine power or moral choices.
* **The Fear of Man:** The word is used to draw a sharp contrast between worldly and godly reverence. Scripture warns that "The **fear** of man bringeth a snare," directly opposing it to the safety found in trusting the LORD [[Proverbs 29:25]].
* **A Sign of Divine Judgment:** **Chărâdâh** frequently describes the terror that accompanies God's judgment. Ezekiel prophesies that the powerful princes of the sea will "clothe themselves with **trembling**" and be astonished when judgment falls [[Ezekiel 26:16]].
* **Reaction to the Supernatural:** The term captures the physical human response to the divine realm. A "great **quaking**" from a heavenly vision demonstrates the unmediated effect of God's presence on people [[Daniel 10:7]]. Similarly, the "very great **trembling**" in the Philistine camp was a direct result of God's intervention [[1 Samuel 14:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2731}}` is a dynamic term that conveys far more than simple anxiety. It is a word of intense, often physical, reaction, encompassing everything from diligent care to the overwhelming terror of divine judgment. It illustrates how fear can be a snare when placed in humanity, but also serves as a powerful signifier of God's presence and authority, capable of shaking individuals, armies, and even the earth itself.
TRV