[Greek] φόβος (phobos), [Latin] timere, [French] intimider, [Latin] metus: fear, terror, reverence, occasion of fear, panic; 47 scriptural references
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means panic, flight, fear, terror, dread, doubt, and reverence.
Herodotus’ The Histories 7.10: “The rest of the Persians held their peace, not daring to utter any opinion contrary to what had been put forward.”
Plato’s Sophist 268a: “These imitators are simple-minded and think they know the things they opine, but others strongly suspect and fear that they are ignorant of things which they profess.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 730: “Gentlemen, I see from your eyes that a sudden fear has troubled you at my coming.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 6.112: “For up until then just hearing the name of the Medes caused the Hellenes to panic.”
Homer’s Iliad 8.149: “Tydeus son was driven in flight.”
Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 3.1.25: “For he is in dread not only for himself, but also for me, for his wife, and all for his children.”
Plato’s Symposium 193a: “Wherefore we ought all to exhort our neighbor to a pious observance of the god, in order that we may escape harm.”
Sophocles’ Philoctetes 1251: “With justice on my side, I do not tremble at the terrors you name.”
Xenophon’s Anabasis 7.4.1: “Seuthes had burned up the villages completely in order that he might inspire the rest of the enemies with fear.”
Old Testament: This term means fear, respect, terror, quaking, horror, reverence, dismay, awe, ruthlessness, and idolatry (illicit worship). Fear plays an important role in the consciousness of the Israelites. One finds freedom from fear as a result of confidently returning to God who protects one from fear. God-fearing denotes those whose conduct is oriented to God’s will. The expression “Fear not!” is a common Old Testament phrase of reassurance and assistance in everyday life.
New Testament: This term means fear, reverence (awe), and fright. Fear of God cannot be separated from faith. Fear of the unknown becomes a prevailing theme. Frequently there comes a summons not to fear. Fear oftentimes gives way to a proclamation of faith. Fear can become an impetus (motivating factor) for faith. Fear and trembling bring out a radical and total dependence on God. I am afraid I cannot list all scriptures for the Greek noun phobos (47 examples) and the Greek verb phobeomai (110 examples). Fear not, I will select only a few scriptures. ☺
Rom.13:7: Caesar (the world) is not entitled to obedience when it nullifies obedience to God.
Eph.5:21: Wives and husbands each have a sub-mission (individual task) to honor each other. This marriage relationship should mirror the relationship between Jesus and His Bride (the Church). Jesus humbly serves His Church.
Mk.4:41: Jesus’ calming the storm was seen for the Christians as a sign of His saving presence amid persecutions.
Lk.8:37: The Gentiles swine-herders were also fearful of losing their livelihood (losing more swine) if Jesus were to send more demons into their animals.
Php.2:12: Working out one’s salvation in fear and trembling was an Old Testament awe and seriousness in the service of God.
Heb.2:15: Fear of death was a religious fear based on the false assumption that death marks the end of one’s relationship with God.
Etymology: The Latin verb submittere means to place oneself under the control of another. The Latin verb timere means to fear or be afraid. The Latin verb exterrrere means to strike with terror, to scare, and to frighten one out (ex-) out of one’s wits. The Latin noun metus means fear, dread, and religious awe. Meticulous, originally meaning fearfulness and timidity, now means fussy, over-carefulness, and scrupulousness.
Conclusion:
Timid, timidity, terror, terrified, intimidate, meticulous
In Greek Hellenism, poets and playwrights often spoke of the human condition (emotions) in their plays and dramas.
The Old Testament introduces the motivating influence of fear in one’s relationship with God.
Each one of us is constantly faced with the challenges of how we should show respect to God’s authority and/or earthly authority. (All of us are still called to respect govt. authorities).
The husband and wife each have the sub-mission (individual specific mission) to serve each other and to allow the other person to serve them. This frequently involves humbleness (putting oneself under).
Update: It is heartbreaking to see those many Ukrainians fleeing their country.
President Biden, fearful of offending his base, just again “knee-capped” the oil and gas industry by canceling leases in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico.
Many suspect and fear that this Supreme Court decision will remove the woman’s right to abortion. (Rather, this decision gives this authority to the states).
Slovakia and Hungary have publicly refused to hold their peace in not agreeing to participate with energy sanctions against Russia.
Many in the Clinton campaign are becoming suddenly fearful about John Durham’s continuing investigations.
Any mention of Hunter Biden’s name oftentimes causes panic for the Bidens and the Democratic party.
Many Americans strongly suspect and fear that the mainstream media, who live in their own political bubble, cannot understand or relate to them.
Many who have bowed in pious observance of suppression and content moderation, are now fearful of losing these “gods”.
It is very unfortunate that there does not seem to be a strong Western deterrent strategy to inspire fear in Putin’s eyes. As a result, this war continues.
Finland is fearlessly seeking to join NATO.
Paraskevidekatriaphobia: fear of Friday the 13th ☺☺☺
In these political and cultural wars, fears and concerns oftentimes come to the forefront. These war of words (and weapons) transmitted back and forth essentially have been handed down since the beginning of time. These struggles can range from devotion, deliverance, to betrayal. In some situations, one has to hand it to those who do not abandon their principles. And yet there are also those whose have no qualms in handing over and surrendering decency and decorum to so they can bring forth their objectives at any cost when panic arises.
Next post: handing over and bringing forth