5425. phrissó

Lexicon

phrissó: To shudder, to bristle

Original Word: φρίσσω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: phrissó
Pronunciation: fris'-so
Phonetic Spelling: (fris'-so)
Definition: To shudder, to bristle
Meaning: I shudder, shiver, tremble.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

tremble.

Apparently a primary verb; to "bristle" or chill, i.e. Shudder (fear) -- tremble.

HELPS Word-studies

5425 phríssō – properly, to bristle (shiver) from fear; shudder (used only in Js 2:19).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. verb
Definition
to be rough, to shiver, shudder
NASB Translation
shudder (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5425: φρίσσω

φρίσσω; very often in Greek writings from Homer down; to be rough, Latinhorreo, horresco, i. e.

1. to bristle, stiffen, stand up: ἔφριξαν μου τρίχες, Job 4:15 the Sept.; with ὀρθαί added, Hesiod, Works, 510; ὀρθάς ... φρισσει τρίχας (cognate accusative of the part affected), Hesiod scut. 391; with cold, διά τό ψῦχος, Plutarch, quaest. nat. 13, 2, p. 915 b.

2. to shudder, to be struck with extreme fear, to be horrified: absolutely, James 2:19; 4 Macc. 14:9; like the Latinhorreo, horresco, construction with an accusative of the object exciting the fear, Homer, Iliad 11,383, and often.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φρίσσω, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that describe fear or trembling in the presence of God. Some related Hebrew terms include:

• Strong's Hebrew 6342 (pachad): To tremble, to be in dread or fear.
• Strong's Hebrew 2730 (charad): To tremble, to be afraid, to be in awe.

These Hebrew terms, like φρίσσω, convey the physical and emotional response to encountering the divine, emphasizing the reverence and awe due to God.

Usage: The verb φρίσσω is used in the New Testament to describe a physical reaction of shuddering or trembling, often in response to fear or reverence.

Context: The Greek verb φρίσσω (phrisso) appears in the New Testament in contexts that convey a deep emotional or physical reaction, typically associated with fear, awe, or reverence. This term is notably used in James 2:19, where it describes the reaction of demons to the knowledge of God: "You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder!" (BSB). Here, φρίσσω illustrates the profound impact of divine truth, even on those opposed to God. The shuddering of the demons signifies an acknowledgment of God's power and authority, despite their rebellion.

The use of φρίσσω in this context underscores the reality that mere intellectual assent to the truth of God's existence is insufficient for salvation. It highlights the necessity of a faith that goes beyond acknowledgment to one that transforms and aligns with God's will. The term conveys the idea that true belief in God should evoke a response that affects both the heart and the mind, leading to a life of obedience and reverence.

In the broader Greco-Roman world, φρίσσω could describe the physical reaction of hair standing on end due to fear or cold, or the shivering associated with awe. This vivid imagery is employed in the New Testament to communicate the profound impact of encountering the divine, whether in judgment or revelation.

Forms and Transliterations

έφριξαν έφριξε έφριξεν φρίσσουσι φρισσουσιν φρίσσουσιν phrissousin phríssousin

Englishman's Concordance

James 2:19 V-PIA-3P
GRK: πιστεύουσιν καὶ φρίσσουσιν
NAS: also believe, and shudder.
KJV: believe, and tremble.
INT: believe and shudder

Strong's Greek 5425
1 Occurrence

φρίσσουσιν — 1 Occ.