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τρέμω

trémō

G5141 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To shake or quiver physically from fear, anxiety, or awe. The verb describes an involuntary trembling or shuddering response, most frequently in reaction to an intense emotion such as fear, terror, or profound reverence. In various contexts, it can refer to literal, physical trembling or to a figurative state of extreme apprehension or agitation.

Semantic Range

to tremble (physically or emotionally), to quake from fear, to shudder with dread, to be seized with awe or anxiety, to be deeply agitated or unsettled

Root / Etymology

From the root τρεμ-; the verb τρέμω is a standard Koine and Classical Greek term. Its etymology traces back to Proto-Indo-European *trem- (to tremble), and the root is seen in cognate forms in other Indo-European languages (e.g., Latin tremo). It is not derived from another Greek compound, but represents a primary root within the language family.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, τρέμω appears as early as the Homeric epics, typically describing physical shaking from fear, cold, or excitement. In the Septuagint, τρέμω is frequently used to translate Hebrew verbs indicating fear or trembling (e.g., חָרַד, רָעַד). In the New Testament, it conveys a physical or emotional state in response to divine encounter, authority, or daunting circumstance (e.g., Acts 16:29, 'trembling with fear'). The word does not inherently carry a religious meaning; it is a general term for trembling, which can be either literal or metaphorical. English translations such as 'tremble,' 'quake,' or 'be afraid' capture the primary sense, but sometimes dilute the intensity or involuntary nature communicated in Greek. Other Greek verbs for fear (e.g., φοβέομαι, 'to be afraid') are broader in meaning, while τρέμω highlights the physical reaction associated with profound emotional states.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

strengthened from a primary (to "dread", "terrify"); to "tremble" or fear:--be afraid, trembling.

Root Family

τρέμω (tremō) — to shake, to quiver, to tremble

Root τρεμ- to shake, to quiver, to tremble

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5141-01 τρέμουσα tremousa V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG trembling trembling (feminine singular) trembling 2
G5141-02 τρέμουσιν tremousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL tremble they are trembling tremble 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5141-01 Mark 5:33 τρέμουσα tremousa V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG trembling trembling (feminine singular) trembling
G5141-01 Luke 8:47 τρέμουσα tremousa V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG trembling trembling (feminine singular) trembling
G5141-02 2 Peter 2:10 τρέμουσιν tremousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL tremble they are trembling tremble
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