חָרֵד (cha.red)
cha.red
trembling
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective chared describes a state of trembling or fear, often triggered by awe or reverence. It appears six times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Isaiah and Judges. The word conveys a physical reaction to something overwhelming, whether it is the presence of God or the threat of enemy forces.
In Judges 11:35, Jephthah’s daughter comes out to meet him “trembling” (chared), capturing a moment of deep emotional distress. In Isaiah 66:5, those who hate God’s people are told they will tremble at His word, linking the physical shaking to spiritual conviction. The term bridges fear of danger and holy reverence, showing how awe can manifest as bodily trembling.
Its root suggests a visceral response rather than mere intellectual doubt. Translators often render it “trembling,” “afraid,” or “fearful” depending on context. This usage highlights how ancient Hebrew speakers understood fear not just as an emotion but as a physical reality that could shake the body.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chared describes a physical trembling, often triggered by awe or reverence for God. It bridges fear of danger and holy reverence, showing how awe can manifest as bodily shaking. In Judges 7:3, God tells Israel to send home anyone who is fearful and trembling, ensuring the army fights with confidence in Him rather than their own strength. This shows that acknowledging our weakness is a form of honesty before God.
In Isaiah 66:2, God promises to look upon those who tremble at His word. This trembling is not just panic but a deep respect for His authority and holiness. It reflects a heart that recognizes God's greatness and our need for Him. Such reverence leads to a closer relationship with the Creator.
When we face challenges, we might feel like Jephthah’s daughter in Judges 11:35, trembling with distress. Yet, even in fear, we can turn to God. His word offers comfort and guidance. We are invited to bring our fears to Him, knowing He values our sincere reverence more than our perfect courage.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- trembling1×
- and/ trembling1×
- and/ the/ [people] trembling1×
- and/ a [person] trembling1×
- [person] trembling1×
- O/ [people] trembling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָרֵד֙1×
- חָרֵ֔ד1×
- וְ/חָרֵ֖ד1×
- וְ/חָרֵ֔ד1×
- וְ/הַ/חֲרֵדִ֖ים1×
- הַ/חֲרֵדִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 7:3
Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.
God uses this word to identify those lacking confidence, showing that honest self-assessment is valued over forced bravery.
-
Isaiah 66:2
For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but I will look to this man, even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.
This verse highlights that God specifically looks upon those who tremble at His word, linking reverence with divine favor.
-
Ezra 9:4
Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel were assembled to me because of the trespass of the exiles; and I sat confounded until the evening offering.
The exiles gathered around Ezra because they trembled at God’s words, demonstrating how shared reverence unites a community in repentance.