### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **raʻad**, represented by `{{H7461}}`, describes a **shudder** or **trembling**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This term signifies an intense physical and emotional reaction, often stemming from profound fear, awe, or distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7461}}` is used to illustrate the overwhelming effect of divine power and judgment. When God delivers Israel, the mighty men `{{H352}}` of Moab `{{H4124}}` are seized by **trembling** `{{H7461}}` [[Exodus 15:15]]. It also depicts the response to personal anguish, as when the psalmist exclaims that fearfulness `{{H3374}}` and **trembling** `{{H7461}}` have come upon him [[Psalms 55:5]]. In Isaiah, **fearfulness** `{{H7461}}` surprises the sinners `{{H2400}}` in Zion `{{H6726}}` who question who can dwell with everlasting `{{H5769}}` burnings `{{H4168}}` [[Isaiah 33:14]]. Eliphaz describes a fear `{{H6343}}` and **trembling** `{{H7461}}` so great that it made all his bones `{{H6106}}` shake [[Job 4:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the fear and awe associated with `{{H7461}}`:
* `{{H6343}}` **pachad** (fear): This word for a sudden alarm, dread, or terror is directly paired with `{{H7461}}` to describe a visceral reaction to a supernatural encounter [[Job 4:14]].
* `{{H270}}` **ʼâchaz** (take hold): A primitive root meaning to seize, this verb is frequently used to show how trembling `{{H7461}}` involuntarily takes hold of or surprises individuals and groups ([[Exodus 15:15]], [[Psalms 48:6]], [[Isaiah 33:14]]).
* `{{H2427}}` **chîyl** (pain): This term for a throe or pang, like that of childbirth, is used in parallel with `{{H7461}}` to equate the experience of fear with intense physical pain [[Psalms 48:6]].
* `{{H6427}}` **pallâtsûwth** (horror): Describing affright and trembling, this word is used alongside `{{H7461}}` to convey a state of being completely overwhelmed by horror [[Psalms 55:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7461}}` is demonstrated in its various contexts, revealing how humanity responds to the divine.
* **Reaction to Divine Judgment:** The term is used for the **fearfulness** `{{H7461}}` that seizes sinners `{{H2400}}` and hypocrites `{{H2611}}` when faced with the reality of God's consuming holiness [[Isaiah 33:14]].
* **Awe Before Divine Might:** The nations and their leaders, such as the dukes `{{H441}}` of Edom `{{H123}}`, experience **trembling** `{{H7461}}` as a response of fear to the manifestation of God's power on behalf of His people [[Exodus 15:15]].
* **A Component of Worship:** Paradoxically, believers are commanded to rejoice `{{H1523}}` with **trembling** `{{H7461}}`. This shows that proper worship of the LORD `{{H3068}}` combines joy with a profound and reverential awe [[Psalms 2:11]].
* **A Physical Response to God's Presence:** The word illustrates a deep, bodily reaction to a divine encounter or immense distress, so powerful it can make one's very bones `{{H6106}}` shake [[Job 4:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7461}}` conveys much more than a simple shudder. It is a deep-seated physical and emotional response to overwhelming power or dread. Whether describing the terror of God's enemies, the anguish of a soul in distress, or the reverential awe that is part of righteous worship, **raʻad** consistently points to a profound reaction to an encounter with a reality far greater than oneself.
TRV