עָרַץ (a.rats)
a.rats
to tremble
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ‘arats describes a physical reaction to overwhelming power: trembling, shaking, or being terrified. It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, often capturing the visceral fear people feel before divine authority or military might. In Deuteronomy 28:25, for instance, it depicts enemies striking down Israelites so they tremble in terror, illustrating how the word conveys a loss of composure under pressure.
Its nuance extends beyond simple fright to include awe and dread. When used of God, as in Job 9:34 or Isaiah 8:13, it suggests a reverential shaking before holiness that demands respect rather than just panic. The sources note a distinction between human fear and the "awesome" nature of God’s presence; the latter inspires a trembling that acknowledges power one cannot resist.
Etymologically, the root likely relates to breaking or shattering, which explains why it can also mean to oppress or crush in certain contexts. This imagery reinforces the idea that encountering such force breaks down resistance. Translators often render it as "tremble" or "dread," preserving the sense of being physically unsettled by what is seen or heard.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word arats describes a deep, physical trembling that comes when we face something far greater than ourselves. In ancient Israel, this reaction was common before mighty armies or during severe storms. It captures the moment when human strength fails and only the reality of God remains. This shaking is not just panic; it is an honest recognition of power that exceeds our own.
Scripture invites us to redirect this instinct. Instead of trembling at enemies or political unrest, we are called to tremble before the Lord. Isaiah 8:13 makes this clear: Yahweh is the One to be feared and respected as holy. When God is the object of our awe, other fears lose their grip. We find stability not in our own courage, but in His presence.
This perspective brings peace to anxious hearts. When you feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures, remember that the same power that shakes the earth also holds you securely. Let your reverence for God replace your fear of circumstances. In His presence, trembling turns into trust, and dread becomes a foundation for faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you be terrified3×
- to/ terrify3×
- you will inspire awe1×
- you must regard with awe1×
- you must be terrified/ !1×
- you must be terrified1×
- will you terrify1×
- they will regard with awe1×
- [the] [one whom] regard with awe/ you1×
- I feared1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/עֲרֹ֥ץ3×
- תַֽעַרְצ֥וּ/ן1×
- תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ1×
- תַּעַרְצ֖וּ1×
- תַּעֲרֽוֹצִי\׃1×
- תַּעֲרֹ֖ץ1×
- תַּעֲר֑וֹץ1×
- תַעֲרֹ֖ץ1×
- תַעֲרִֽיצוּ\׃1×
- מַֽעֲרִֽצְ/כֶֽם\׃1×
- יַעֲרִֽיצוּ\׃1×
- אֶֽעֱר֨וֹץ\׀1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 8:13
Yahweh of Armies is who you must respect as holy. He is the one you must fear. He is the one you must dread.
This verse redefines the word by commanding believers to reserve their deepest fear and awe exclusively for Yahweh, transforming terror into holy reverence.
-
Isaiah 2:19
Men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily.
It depicts the ultimate consequence of rejecting God, where people seek hiding places from the overwhelming majesty of His presence.
-
Deuteronomy 7:21
You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is among you, a great and awesome God.
Here the word is used in a negative command to show that fear of enemies is unnecessary because God Himself is present among His people.
-
Psalms 10:18
to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.
The term describes the oppression felt by the vulnerable, highlighting God’s role as judge who stops those who terrify the earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word arats mean?
How is arats different from other words for fear?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 5 books)
Deuteronomy 4 verses
Then I said to you, “Don’t be terrified. Don’t be afraid of them.
Deuteronomy 7:21You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is among you, a great and awesome God.
Deuteronomy 20:3and shall tell them, “Hear, Israel, you draw near today to battle against your enemies. Don’t let your heart faint!…
Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will…