φρίσσω (phrissō)

phrissō

to shudder

G5425 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb phrissō describes a physical reaction to intense fear or horror, meaning to shudder, shiver, or bristle. It captures the moment when dread causes the body to react involuntarily, much like hair standing on end in response to a sudden chill or threat.

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in James 2:19. The author uses it to illustrate that even demons possess a correct intellectual belief about God, yet their reaction is one of terrified trembling rather than faithful trust. This usage highlights that mere knowledge, without love and obedience, leads only to fear.

Its root suggests a roughening or stiffening of the skin, emphasizing the visceral nature of this terror. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for similar reactions to divine presence. Translators render it as "shudder" or "tremble," preserving the image of a body overwhelmed by awe and dread.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

James 2:19 uses a striking image to describe the difference between head knowledge and heart trust. The word for "shudder" here describes a physical reaction to terror, like hair standing on end when facing danger. It shows that even demons know God exists and tremble in fear.

This truth invites us to examine our own faith. Is your belief just an intellectual agreement, or does it bring peace? True faith moves beyond cold dread into a relationship with God who offers grace. We are not called to live in the paralyzing fear that demons feel, but in the confident trust of those who know their Savior.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

shudder!1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

φρίσσουσιν.1×

Key Verses

James 2:19
You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe—and shudder.

This is the only New Testament occurrence, where the word describes the terrified reaction of demons to the truth about God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word phrissō mean?

Phrissō means to shudder, shiver, or bristle. It describes a physical reaction to intense fear or horror, often causing hair to stand on end.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once in the New Testament, in James 2:19. The author uses it to show that demons believe in God but react with terror rather than trust.

How is phrissō different from general belief?

While belief can be intellectual, phrissō describes a visceral reaction of dread. James uses it to show that knowing facts about God without love and obedience leads only to fear.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

James 1 verse

James 2:19

You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe—and shudder.