זְוָעָה
𐤆𐤅𐤏𐤄
zᵉvâʻâh
H2113 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state of trembling, agitation, or terror, often resulting from fear or the experience of a traumatic event. Can denote emotional or psychological distress in response to a threatening or overwhelming situation. The term can also refer to the external manifestation of such fear (e.g., visible trembling or commotion). In biblical usage, it commonly describes great emotional disturbance or consternation, whether individual or collective, usually triggered by divine judgment or a terrifying vision.
Semantic Range
trembling, agitation, terror, consternation, panic, psychological distress, visible commotion; overwhelming fear in response to threat or divine presence
Root / Etymology
From the root זוּעַ (zûaʻ), which means 'to quake, tremble, move to and fro, be agitated.' The noun זְוָעָה (zᵉvâʻâh) is derived from this verbal root, signifying the result or state produced by such agitation or quaking. The relationship to the similar form זַעֲוָה (za'avâh), also meaning 'terror' or 'horror,' likely reflects a semantic overlap based on roots connoting physical or psychological agitation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
זְוָעָה appears sparingly in biblical texts, often parallel to terms such as מוֹרָא (môrâ, 'fear') or חֶרְדָּה (ḥerdâh, 'trembling'). The term most frequently denotes profound fear or horror experienced in the context of divine revelation, judgment, or threat. In prophetic and poetic material, זְוָעָה evokes not merely internal fear but sometimes a collective panic among a group or community. Standard English translations like 'terror,' 'trouble,' or 'agitation' capture part of the word's sense but cannot fully convey its status as an intense, overwhelming dread usually tied to existential or supernatural experiences. In post-biblical Hebrew, the root retains meanings related to agitation, commotion, or psychological disturbance. There is significant overlap with זַעֲוָה, but certain distinctions in usage and nuance may exist depending on context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from זוּעַ; agitation, fear; be removed, trouble, vexation. Compare זַעֲוָה.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זוע (z-w-ʿ) — to quake, tremble, be agitated
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2111 | זוּעַ | your agitators |
| H2112 | זוּעַ | trembling one |
| H2127 | זִיעַ | Tremor |
| H2188 | זֵעָה | in sweat of |
| H2189 | זַעֲוָה | for trembling-terror |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2113-02 |
ל/זועה | lzvh | HR/Ncfsa |
for-a-shaking | quaking terror | 5 |
H2113-03 |
זְוָעָ֖ה | zevaah | HNcfsa |
terror | quaking terror | 1 |
H2113-01 |
לְ/זַעֲוָ֣ה | lezaavah | HR/Ncfsa |
for-horror | quaking terror | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2113-03 |
Isaiah 28:19 | זְוָעָ֖ה | zevaah | HNcfsa |
terror | quaking terror |
H2113-02 |
Jeremiah 15:4 | ל/זועה | lzvh | HR/Ncfsa |
for-a-trembling | quaking terror |
H2113-02 |
Jeremiah 24:9 | ל/זועה | lzvh | HR/Ncfsa |
for-horror | quaking terror |
H2113-01 |
Jeremiah 24:9 | לְ/זַעֲוָ֣ה | lezaavah | HR/Ncfsa |
for-horror | quaking terror |
H2113-02 |
Jeremiah 29:18 | ל/זועה | lzvh | HR/Ncfsa |
for-a-shaking | quaking terror |
H2113-02 |
Jeremiah 34:17 | ל/זועה | lzvh | HR/Ncfsa |
for horror | quaking terror |
H2113-02 |
2 Chronicles 29:8 | ל/זועה | lzvh | HR/Ncfsa |
to-trembling | quaking terror |