τρέμω (tremō)
tremō
to tremble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb tremō describes a physical shaking caused by fear or awe. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, creating a sharp image of human vulnerability before divine power. The sources note its use in the Gospels to depict sudden terror, such as when the woman with the hemorrhage trembles after touching Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:33) and when the demon-possessed man falls down in fear (Luke 8:47).
Its etymology suggests a deepened form of dread, moving beyond simple worry to a visceral reaction. This intensity is preserved in its rare New Testament appearance in 2 Peter 2:10, where false teachers are described as trembling at those in positions of authority. Translators consistently render it as "tremble," capturing the involuntary physical response that accompanies profound fear or reverence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tremō captures that sudden, physical shaking we feel when facing something far greater than ourselves. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, painting a vivid picture of human vulnerability before divine power or authority. It is not merely worry; it is a visceral reaction to the weight of a moment.
Consider the woman in Mark 5:33. After touching Jesus’ garment and feeling healed, she comes forward fearing and trembling. Her shaking was not just from fear of punishment, but from the overwhelming reality of standing before the One who had changed her life. This tremor reveals a heart that understands the magnitude of grace.
When we encounter God’s holiness or His mercy, we may feel a similar awe. It reminds us that we are finite creatures in the hands of an infinite Creator. Rather than shrinking away in despair, this trembling can lead us to honest confession and deep reverence. It is a natural response to the sacred.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they tremble2×
- trembling,1×
- trembling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τρέμων1×
- τρέμουσιν1×
- τρέμουσα,1×
- τρέμουσα1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:33
But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
This verse highlights the woman's physical shaking as she approaches Jesus, showing how awe and fear can coexist with faith after experiencing healing.
-
Luke 8:47
When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him declared to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
Here, the trembling is paired with public confession, illustrating that true repentance often involves a humble acknowledgment of our need before others.
-
II Peter 2:10
but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,
This rare usage describes false teachers who are not afraid to slander authorities, contrasting their boldness with the reverence that should accompany spiritual power.