Lexical Summary phobétron: Terror, Fright, Fear Original Word: φοβέτρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fearful sight. Neuter of a derivative of phobeo; a frightening thing, i.e. Terrific portent -- fearful sight. see GREEK phobeo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5400 phóbētron (a neuter noun) – a fearful sight, emphasizing its terrifying impact on people trying to withdraw (flee from) it. It is used only in Lk 21:11. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phobétros (something to be feared); from phobeó Definition a (cause of) terror NASB Translation terrors (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5400: φόβητρονφόβητρον (or φοβηθρον (so L Tr WH; see WH's Appendix, p. 149)), φοβητρου, τό (φοβέω), that which strikes terror, a terror (cause of) fright: Luke 21:11. (Plato, Ax., p. 367 a.; Hippocrates, Lucian, others (but always in plural (Liddell and Scott)); for חָגָא, Isaiah 19:17.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range Strong’s Greek 5400 denotes a terrifying spectacle or event that provokes dread. In Scripture it is never a mere subjective emotion but an objective phenomenon that rightly elicits fear because it signals divine intervention or judgment. Old Testament Background Although 5400 appears only once in the New Testament, its conceptual roots run through the Hebrew Scriptures. The Septuagint uses related terms for the “terror by night” (Psalm 91:5), the “terror” sent ahead of Israel to dismay enemies (Exodus 23:27), and the “terrors” that seized Job (Job 7:14). In each setting God is either the source or the active governor over the dreadful event, underscoring His sovereignty both in salvation and in judgment. Occurrence in the New Testament Luke 21:11: “There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” Here the plural form describes objective “fearful sights” amid the larger Olivet Discourse. These phenomena occur alongside cosmic and terrestrial upheavals, marking the climax of redemptive history prior to the visible return of Jesus Christ. Eschatological Significance 1. Heralds of the Day of the Lord: The fearful sights function as preliminary birth pains (Luke 21:9-11; Matthew 24:8), signaling that the age is drawing to its God-ordained conclusion. Pastoral and Exhortational Applications • Cultivating Holy Fear: Recognizing that God appoints frightening events for His purposes refines a believer’s reverence, moving disciples from casual familiarity to worshipful awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). Historical Usage in Christian Teaching Early patristic writers (e.g., Tertullian, Hippolytus) cited Luke 21:11 to confront pagan fatalism and to affirm God’s control over natural disasters. Reformers emphasized the verse to expose the vanity of earthly security, urging repentance during plagues and wars. Modern evangelical missions literature often links natural calamities to Matthew 24 and Luke 21, presenting crises as openings for gospel proclamation. Systematic Theology Implications • Providence: Fearful sights are neither random nor solely satanic; they operate within God’s permissive and decretive will (Isaiah 45:7). Practical Ministry Considerations 1. Crisis Counseling: Pastors should interpret calamitous news through Scripture, guiding believers away from panic toward trust. Conclusion Strong’s 5400 highlights tangible manifestations of divine power that shake the created order and the human heart. Though dread-inducing for the unbeliever, these events are simultaneously signs of redemption drawing near for those in Christ (Luke 21:28). Rightly understood, they summon the church to holiness, perseverance, and urgent witness until the Lord Himself dispels every terror by the light of His coming kingdom. Forms and Transliterations φοβηθρα φόβηθρά φόβητρά φόβητρον phobetra phobētra phóbetrá phóbētráLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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