זוּעַ (zu.a)
zu.a
to tremble
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zu‘a means to tremble or shake, often with a sense of fear or awe. In the Old Testament, it appears only once, in Daniel 5:6, describing King Belshazzar’s reaction when mysterious handwriting appeared on the wall. His limbs gave way and his knees knocked together, capturing a physical response to divine judgment.
This word is rare, occurring just one time in Scripture, which makes its single appearance particularly significant. It conveys not just nervousness but a profound, bodily shaking in the face of something overwhelming or holy. The imagery is visceral: muscles failing, bones loosening, as if the body itself cannot support the weight of the moment.
Though brief, this usage highlights how physical reactions can reveal spiritual realities. Belshazzar’s trembling was not mere surprise but a recognition of power beyond his control. In this way, zu‘a serves as a vivid reminder that some encounters with the sacred leave no room for calm composure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zu‘a describes a physical trembling that goes beyond simple nervousness. It captures the moment when human strength gives way before something far greater. In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar’s knees knocked together as he saw the writing on the wall. His body reacted instantly to a reality he could no longer ignore.
For us, this word reminds us that awe is a natural response to God’s holiness. We do not need to manufacture fear, but we can recognize that encountering the divine often shakes our composure. It is a sign that we are standing before power that exceeds our own control. This trembling points to humility and the end of self-reliance.
When life feels overwhelming, remember that surrendering that tension is part of faith. You do not have to hold everything together alone. Letting go of pride allows grace to enter. There is peace in acknowledging that God is greater than any crisis you face.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- trembling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זָיְעִ֥ין1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 5:19
Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He killed whom he wanted to, and he kept alive whom he wanted to. He raised up whom he wanted to, and he put down whom he wanted to.
This verse shows the result of Belshazzar’s power, where other nations trembled before him, setting up the contrast for his own trembling in judgment.