ἔκφοβος (ekphobos)
ekphobos
terrified
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective ekphobos describes a state of being struck by intense fear or terror. Derived from a prefix meaning "out of" and a root meaning "fear," it conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or paralyzed by dread rather than simple caution. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only twice.
In Mark 9:16, the crowds are described as ekphobos when they see Jesus healing a boy with an unclean spirit, capturing their shock and awe at the supernatural event. Similarly, Hebrews 12:21 uses it to describe the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai, where the people could not bear what was commanded and seen. In both cases, the word highlights a reaction of profound alarm in the presence of divine power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekphobos captures a fear so intense it leaves you speechless or trembling. It is not the kind of caution that helps us avoid danger, but a shock that stops us in our tracks when we encounter something far greater than ourselves.
In Mark 9:16, the crowds were struck by this overwhelming dread as they witnessed Jesus heal a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. Their reaction was one of pure awe at the power of God breaking into their world. Similarly, Hebrews 12:21 describes the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai where the people could not bear to look or listen.
This word reminds us that encountering the divine is a serious and profound event. It invites us to approach God with reverence and humility, recognizing His majesty and our own smallness in His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- terrified1×
- Greatly afraid1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔκφοβός1×
- ἔκφοβοι1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:21
So fearful was the appearance that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”
Moses said he was terrified and trembling at Mount Sinai, highlighting the unbearable intensity of God's holy presence.