φοβερός
phoberós
G5398 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Formidable, inspiring fear or awe; describing something or someone that causes terror, dread, or profound respect. In different contexts, may indicate something fearsome, dreadful, or impressive in an ominous or threatening way. Sometimes used with a sense of being alarming or producing reverential awe.
Semantic Range
frightful, formidable, fearful, terrible, dreadful, awe-inspiring, alarming
Root / Etymology
From the root φόβος (phobos), meaning 'fear, terror.' The suffix -ερός forms adjectives, usually describing the quality of producing or causing a state; thus, 'causing fear, fearful.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, φοβερός describes what produces or inspires terror, whether people, events, or phenomena. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it regularly refers to things, persons, or acts that are 'terrible' in the sense of being awe-inspiring or threatening. In several biblical contexts, it may describe divine acts or realities as fearsome or awe-inspiring, e.g., 'a fearful expectation' (Hebrews 10:27). English translations often render it as 'fearful,' 'terrible,' or 'dreadful,' yet these may weaken the sense of both tangible dread and reverential awe present in the original. Rarely refers to mere timidity; always denotes an object/person/event that instills fear or gravitas rather than a subjective state of being afraid. Distinct from ἐπάρατος (accursed) or δεινός (formidable, wondrous) though with overlapping nuance in contexts of punishment or divine encounter.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φόβος; frightful, i.e. (objectively) formidable:--fearful, terrible.
Root Family
φοβερός (phoberos) — causing fear, frightening, formidable, awe-inspiring
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5398-02 |
φοβερὸν | phoberon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
terrible | fear-inspiring | 2 |
G5398-01 |
φοβερὰ | phobera | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
fear-inspiring | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5398-01 |
Hebrews 10:27 | φοβερὰ | phobera | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
fear-inspiring | |
G5398-02 |
Hebrews 10:31 | φοβερὸν | phoberon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
fear-inspiring | |
G5398-02 |
Hebrews 12:21 | φοβερὸν | phoberon | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
terrible | fear-inspiring |