[Greek] τρέμω (tremō), [Latin] tremens, [Latin] audaces: to tremble, to be afraid, to fear, to terrify, to be struck with fear, to quake, to quiver, to be scared, to be disturbed, to flutter, to fall away, to shake off, to let loose; Lk.8:47, Mk.5:33, Act.9:6, 2Pet.2:10
Locusts that you may eat leap on the ground. (Leviticus 11:21) Locusts move in a fluttering motion.
Background Information:
Arabic language: In the Arabic language, this term takes on the sense of to flutter, to fall away (off), and to leap. Job’s heart trembles and leaps out of its place (Job.37:1). This fluttering noise often makes the sound of dry and withered leaves falling to the ground. Divine appearances disrupt the paths of the heavenly bodies. The disturbances make the nations tremble with shattered mountains (Hab.3:6). Locusts were leaping on the ground (Lev.11:21). Locusts move in a fluttering motion.
Aramaic language: In the Aramaic language, this term takes on the sense of to shake off, to loose, and to free. Authentic fasting leads to blessing. Proper fasting releases those bounds and unties the throngs of the yoke (Isa.58:6). Through God’s providence, the Egyptian pharaoh released Joseph (Psa.105:20). The Lord had set the prisoners free (Psa.146:7). God would let loose His “hand” and crush Job (Job.6:9). God “stretched out His hand” to keep David from erring (2Sam.22:33).
New Testament: In the New Testament, this term takes on the sense of to tremble, to fear, and to respect. The New Testament provides another nuanced meaning or contra-example: the lack of respect. In other words, instead of showing reverence one is showing contempt for someone or something. Interestingly, yet a common thread appears with all these examples. In one form or another, a physical, emotional, or psychological effect from trembling results.
Scripture:
“When the woman realized that she had not escaped notice, she came forward trembling. Falling down before Him, she explained in the presence of all the people why she had touched Him and how she had been healed immediately.”
This hemorrhagic woman, perhaps being fearful being out in the public, approached and touched Jesus. The people took notice of her and she came to Him trembling. Jesus claimed that her faith had healed her.
“Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” Act. 9:6
Paul has just been struck down blind by a bright light. Needless to say, Paul was in fear and trembling upon being struck blind. Then Jesus gives Paul instructions to begin in his new path in ministry.
“And especially those who follow the flesh with its depraved desire and show contempt for lordship. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to revile glorious beings.” 2 Pet. 2:10
This scripture refers to those who show no reverence or respect. They will get their just punishment.
Conclusion:
Tremor, tremble, tremendous, audacious
Interestingly the word tremendous originally meant awful, dreadful, and terrible. Essentially, this was something to be feared or trembled at. However, in the early 18th century, this term takes on a different meaning. Instead of describing something terrible, this term begins to describe a massive size. Then later this term takes on a positive sense. Tremendous now also means wonderful, extraordinary, excellent, and memorable.
You have to admit that this Greek term tremo now has a “tremendous” number of meanings, ranging from leaping grasshoppers to showing reverence. Whether it’s trembling hearts, loosing yokes, or showing nerves, a sense of movement ties all these aspects together.