ἔντρομος
éntromos
G1790 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Experiencing or exhibiting trembling due to fear or intense emotion; commonly denotes being in a state of great fear or alarm, resulting in visible or existential shaking. The term is used both literally (physical trembling) and metaphorically (profound emotional disturbance).
Semantic Range
trembling with fear, quaking, being profoundly alarmed, experiencing visible or existential trembling, being in a state of terror or deep emotional agitation
Root / Etymology
From ἐν ('in') and τρόμος ('trembling, quake'). The word is a compound adjective, literally meaning 'in a state of trembling.' No evidence for derivation from non-Greek sources; root is entirely Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἔντρομος appears primarily in Hellenistic and Koine literature, notably in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 16:29 for the jailer at Philippi), as well as in other post-classical Greek contexts. The term does not occur in classical Attic literature, indicating a later development or preference in usage. It is stylistically vivid, connoting not merely anxiety but a strong physical manifestation of fear (tremor) typically resulting from an overwhelming or sudden event. In the Septuagint, related forms of τρόμος are used, but this exact compound is rare or absent. Compared to classical forms like φρίττω ('to shudder'), ἔντρομος carries an intensified nuance of being in the grip of fear. Standard English translations such as 'trembling,' 'terrified,' or 'quaking' may not always convey the tangible bodily dimension of the Greek, which implies both physical and psychological effects. The word is descriptive and not inherently technical or theological.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and τρόμος; terrified:--X quake, X trembled.
Root Family
ἔντρομος (entromos) — trembling, quaking, being in fear, profoundly alarmed
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1790-01 |
ἔντρομος | entromos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
trembling | trembling with fear | trembling with fear | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1790-01 |
Acts 7:32 | ἔντρομος | entromos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
trembling | trembling with fear | trembling with fear |
G1790-01 |
Acts 16:29 | ἔντρομος | entromos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
trembling | trembling with fear | trembling |
G1790-01 |
Hebrews 12:21 | ἔντρομος | entromos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
trembling | trembling with fear | trembling with fear |