Lexical Summary phoberos: Fearful, terrifying, dreadful Original Word: φοβερός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fearful, terrible. From phobos; frightful, i.e. (objectively) formidable -- fearful, terrible. see GREEK phobos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5398 phoberós (an adjective) – fearful, prompting a person to withdraw (flee). See 5401 (phobos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phobeó Definition fearful NASB Translation terrible (1), terrifying (1), terrifying thing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5398: φοβερόςφοβερός, φοβερά, φοβερόν (φοβέω), from Aeschylus down, (fearful i. e.): 1. (actively) inspiring fear, terrible, formidable; the Sept. for נורָא. 2. (passively) affected with fear, timid; in the N. T., only in the former (active) sense: Hebrews 10:27, 31; Hebrews 12:21. Strong’s Greek 5398 (phoberos) characterizes that which evokes profound dread, awe, or terror. In the New Testament it appears only in Hebrews, where it underscores the gravity of divine judgment and the holiness of God’s presence. Biblical Usage 1. Hebrews 10:27 – the “fearful expectation of judgment” confronting willful apostates after they have rejected the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. In each setting the term accentuates a holy dread anchored in God’s unchanging righteousness. Context in Hebrews Hebrews, written to believers tempted to abandon the faith, blends solemn warning with rich encouragement. Phoberos functions rhetorically to jolt readers from complacency: • Covenant Accountability: Hebrews 10:26-31 contrasts the lesser sanctions of the Mosaic covenant with the greater consequence of spurning Christ’s blood. The epistle warns that contempt for the Son leaves no refuge except a “fearful expectation” of fiery justice. Theological Significance 1. Holiness and Justice: Phoberos emphasizes the moral perfection of God. Divine love never nullifies divine wrath; both uphold the covenant. Old Testament Background Hebrews 12:21 quotes Deuteronomy 9:19 where Moses “dreaded” the Lord’s anger after Israel’s idolatry. The epistle thereby links New-Covenant believers with Israel’s foundational experiences, affirming continuity in God’s character. The terror at Sinai, the Day of the Lord motifs (Isaiah 2:19; Joel 2:11), and the prophetic imagery of consuming fire all converge in Hebrews’ warning. Christological Perspective The same holiness that once shook Sinai is now revealed in the crucified and risen Son. Rejecting His mediation revives Sinai’s terror without the benefit of sacrifice (Hebrews 10:29). Conversely, trusting Him transforms fear into worshipful awe, “since we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). Eschatological Implications Phoberos foreshadows the final assize where every deed is laid bare (Revelation 20:11-15). For the unrepentant it signals irreversible ruin; for believers it underscores the seriousness of the coming evaluation of works (2 Corinthians 5:10). Pastoral and Ministry Application • Preaching: Faithful exposition must present both grace and judgment, allowing phoberos to awaken consciences. Historical Reception Early church fathers (e.g., Chrysostom, Augustine) cited Hebrews 10:31 to curb moral laxity and heresy. Reformers appealed to the verse against antinomianism, while the Great Awakening preachers employed it to press for genuine conversion. Related Concepts and Terms • φόβος (phobos) – fear, awe Together these words form a scriptural tapestry in which fear of God fosters wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and perseverance (Philippians 2:12). Key Takeaways Phoberos in Hebrews preserves the tension between access and awe, grace and judgment. It calls the church to cherish Christ’s sacrifice, persevere in holiness, and proclaim both the comfort and the warning integral to the gospel. Englishman's Concordance Hebrews 10:27 Adj-NFSGRK: φοβερὰ δέ τις NAS: but a terrifying expectation KJV: a certain fearful looking for INT: terrifying however certain Hebrews 10:31 Adj-NNS Hebrews 12:21 Adj-NNS Strong's Greek 5398 |
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