### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma is רַעַד (raʻad), derived from the root רָעַד (raʻad), meaning "to tremble, quake, shudder." As a noun, H7461 signifies the *act* or *state* of trembling, quaking, or shuddering. It encompasses physical shaking due to fear, awe, weakness, or intense emotional response. The feminine form רְעָדָה (rᵉâdâh) also carries the same core meaning of trembling. The semantic range includes:
* Physical trembling (e.g., of the body, knees).
* Emotional trembling (e.g., fear, terror, awe, anxiety).
* Figurative trembling (e.g., nations quaking).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H7461 appears relatively few times in the Old Testament, but its usage is potent and specific:
* [[Psalm 55:5]]: "Fear and trembling come upon me; horror has overwhelmed me." Here, רַעַד (raʻad) describes an intense, overwhelming fear experienced by the psalmist, likely David, in a context of betrayal and distress. It signifies a deeply personal and emotional response.
* [[Isaiah 21:4]]: "My heart pounds, terror has overwhelmed me; the twilight I longed for has been turned into a shuddering for me." In this prophetic oracle concerning Babylon, רַעַד (raʻad) again denotes a profound, almost paralyzing fear or horror. The anticipation of judgment brings an unbearable trembling.
* [[Ezekiel 12:18]]: "Son of man, eat your bread with trembling and drink your water with quaking and with anxiety." This verse, part of a symbolic act performed by Ezekiel, portrays the future distress of the exiles. The "trembling" (רַעַד) and "quaking" (רְעָדָה, the feminine form, also H7461) symbolize the fear and uncertainty they will experience due to the siege and desolation of Jerusalem. It is a physical manifestation of inner turmoil and dread.
* [[Job 4:14]]: "Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake." Eliphaz recounts a terrifying vision where a spirit passed before him. The "trembling" (רַעַד) here is a direct, physical consequence of encountering the divine or supernatural, implying an overwhelming sense of awe and dread.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb רָעַד (raʻad), from which H7461 is derived, meaning "to tremble, quake, shudder" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 14:15]], [[Psalm 77:18]]). Other Hebrew words expressing similar concepts of fear, trembling, or dread include:
* `{{H6343}}` (pachad): fear, dread, terror. Often associated with the fear of God.
* `{{H2729}}` (charadah): trembling, terror, anxiety. Similar to H7461, often used in contexts of divine judgment or overwhelming fear.
* `{{H2731}}` (charad): to tremble, be anxious, dread. The verbal root of `{{H2729}}`.
* `{{H2119}}` (zul): to be afraid, tremble.
* `{{H3372}}` (yare'): to fear, be afraid, revere. This is a broader term encompassing both terror and reverential awe.
The concept of "trembling" is often linked to the presence of God or the manifestation of His power and judgment, evoking a sense of awe and dread. It is also a natural human response to overwhelming danger or distress.
### Theological Significance
The word רַעַד (raʻad) powerfully conveys the human experience of fear and awe in the face of overwhelming circumstances, particularly divine judgment or the presence of the holy. It highlights the profound physical and emotional impact of terror and distress, illustrating the vulnerability of humanity. The body itself responds to deep spiritual and existential threats. In contexts like [[Job 4:14]], the trembling signifies a response to the numinous, a recognition of something beyond human comprehension and control. This can be a form of *trembling awe*, distinct from mere terror. The prophetic use in [[Ezekiel 12:18]] and [[Isaiah 21:4]] connects רַעַד (raʻad) directly to the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. The trembling becomes a symbol of the desolation and fear that will accompany God's righteous wrath. While often negative (fear, terror), the concept of trembling can also implicitly point to the appropriate human posture before a holy God – one of humility, reverence, and a profound awareness of His majesty and power. This resonates with the New Testament concept of working out one's salvation "with fear and trembling" (`{{G5401}}` and `{{G5158}}`, though different words, similar concept of reverent awe and earnestness).
### Summary
The Hebrew word רַעַד (raʻad), and its feminine form רְעָדָה (rᵉâdâh), denotes a deep, often physical, trembling or shuddering. Derived from the verb "to tremble," it captures the essence of profound fear, terror, or overwhelming dread. Its biblical occurrences consistently depict intense emotional and physical responses to distressing situations, divine judgment, or encounters with the supernatural. From the psalmist's personal anguish ([[Psalm 55:5]]) to the prophet's vision of impending doom ([[Isaiah 21:4]], [[Ezekiel 12:18]]) and Eliphaz's terrifying encounter ([[Job 4:14]]), רַעַד underscores human vulnerability and the potent impact of fear. Theologically, it serves as a powerful descriptor of the human condition under duress, a symbol of the consequences of sin, and implicitly, a descriptor of the awe and reverence due before the awesome power and holiness of God.
TRV