רָגַז (ra.gaz)
ra.gaz
to tremble
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rāgaz describes a violent trembling caused by intense emotion, most often anger or fear. It is not a gentle shiver but a shaking that affects both people and the earth itself. In Proverbs 29:9, it captures the chaotic agitation of a fool arguing with a wise person, while in Isaiah 5:25, it describes the ground quaking under God’s wrath.
Its range extends beyond physical movement to inner turmoil. The sources note its use for grief, as when David is deeply moved by Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 18:33), and for fear, as when nations tremble at Israel’s approach (Deuteronomy 2:25). This flexibility allows it to bridge the gap between human emotional storms and cosmic upheaval.
A key feature of rāgaz is its application to inanimate objects. Unlike words that describe only human reactions, this verb shakes mountains and earth, as seen in Habakkuk 3:6 where the eternal foundations tremble. This usage emphasizes that divine action can disturb the very structure of creation, making it a powerful term for describing God’s overwhelming presence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rāgaz describes a violent trembling caused by intense emotion or divine power. It is not a gentle shiver but a shaking that affects both people and the earth itself. This term captures the chaotic agitation of human anger, as seen when fools argue with the wise in Proverbs 29:9. It also describes the deep grief David felt at Absalom’s death, showing how this word bridges human emotional storms and cosmic upheaval.
Yet rāgaz is most powerful when applied to God’s presence. In passages like Isaiah 5:25, it describes mountains trembling under His wrath. This usage emphasizes that divine action can disturb the very structure of creation. It reminds us that God is not distant but actively involved in history, shaking foundations to bring about justice and restoration.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. When life feels unstable or when you face overwhelming circumstances, remember that the same power that shakes mountains is also at work for your good. You can trust that God’s presence brings both awe and hope, grounding you even when everything else trembles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- raging/ you4×
- they tremble/ !2×
- let them tremble2×
- it will be agitated2×
- and/ they will tremble2×
- you will be agitated1×
- you stir up1×
- will it tremble1×
- they will quake1×
- they trembled1×
- the/ [one who] shakes1×
- it trembles1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רָ֣גְזָה2×
- יִרְגַּ֖ז2×
- וַ/תִּרְגַּ֣ז2×
- הִתְרַגֶּזְ/ךָ֣2×
- הִֽתְרַגֶּזְ/ךָ֥2×
- תִּרְגַּ֖זְנָה1×
- תִּרְגְּז֖וּ1×
- תִרְגַּ֣ז1×
- רָגְזָ֥ה1×
- רְגָ֖זָה1×
- מַרְגִּ֣יז1×
- לְ/מַרְגִּ֣יזֵי1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:14
The peoples have heard. They tremble. Pangs have taken hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
This verse shows the nations trembling in fear at God’s mighty deliverance of Israel, highlighting His power over enemies.
-
II Samuel 22:8
Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, because he was angry.
Here the earth shakes because God is angry, illustrating how divine wrath can cause physical and cosmic upheaval.
-
Isaiah 5:25
Therefore Yahweh’s anger burns against his people, and he has stretched out his hand against them and has struck them. The mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the middle of the streets. For all this, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is still stretched out.
The mountains tremble under Yahweh’s anger against His people, showing that even creation responds to His justice.
-
Psalms 99:1
Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.
This psalm calls the peoples to tremble because Yahweh reigns, linking awe of God with His sovereign rule.
-
Proverbs 29:9
If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.
The fool rages or scoffs in court, demonstrating how this word captures chaotic human agitation and lack of peace.