Topical Encyclopedia The term "affrighted" is an archaic expression that denotes a state of being frightened or terrified. In the context of the Bible, it is often used to describe the reaction of individuals who encounter divine or supernatural events that evoke fear or awe. The concept of being affrighted is closely tied to the human response to the presence of God, angelic beings, or significant spiritual occurrences.Biblical Instances: 1. The Shepherds and the Angels: In the Gospel of Luke, the shepherds were "affrighted" when an angel of the Lord appeared to them to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. The passage reads, "And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified" (Luke 2:8-9). The shepherds' fear is a natural human reaction to the sudden appearance of the divine, highlighting the majesty and power of God's messengers. 2. The Disciples and Jesus Walking on Water: In the Gospel of Matthew, the disciples were affrighted when they saw Jesus walking on the sea. The text states, "When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. 'It’s a ghost!' they said, and cried out in fear" (Matthew 14:26). This incident underscores the disciples' initial inability to comprehend the miraculous nature of Jesus' actions, leading to fear and confusion. 3. The Resurrection of Jesus: The women who visited Jesus' tomb were affrighted when they encountered an angel who announced His resurrection. The Gospel of Mark records, "Entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed" (Mark 16:5). The angel's presence and the message of the resurrection were overwhelming, causing the women to react with fear and astonishment. Theological Significance: The reaction of being affrighted in the Bible often serves to emphasize the transcendence and holiness of God and His messengers. It reflects the natural human response to the divine, which is beyond ordinary experience and understanding. The fear experienced by biblical characters often transitions into reverence, worship, or a deeper understanding of God's purposes. Human Response to the Divine: Throughout Scripture, the initial fear or terror experienced by individuals in the presence of the divine is frequently followed by reassurance and comfort. For instance, the angel who appeared to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 said, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" . This pattern illustrates God's desire to reveal Himself to humanity in a way that ultimately leads to peace and understanding, rather than lasting fear. Conclusion: The concept of being affrighted in the Bible serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence and the appropriate human response to His holiness. It highlights the transformative journey from fear to faith, as individuals come to recognize and trust in the divine plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Affright.Greek 1630. ekphobos -- terrified ... 5401 , "fear") -- properly, wholly frightened (literally of one's wits), ie with the outcome of becoming fearful (affrighted, terrified); "exceedingly terrified ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1630.htm - 7k 1719. emphobos -- terrible, in fear (used of godly fear) Strong's Hebrew 8178. sa'ar -- horrorsa'ar. 8177, 8178. sa'ar. 8178a . horror. Transliteration: sa'ar Phonetic Spelling: (sah'-ar) Short Definition: affrighted. affrighted, horribly, sore, storm ... /hebrew/8178.htm - 5k 926. bahal -- to disturb, terrify 6206. arats -- to cause to tremble, tremble 270. achaz -- to grasp, take hold, take possession Library This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin The Angel in the Tomb Jesus of Nazareth Rises from the Dead The Incredulous Disciples Psalm 18 Israel in Egypt Philippians i. 22-26 On the Nativity of Our Lady Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ... The Martyrs in Alexandria. Thesaurus Affrighted (60 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Affright. Multi-Version Concordance Affrighted (60 Occurrences). Mark 16:5 And entering ... /a/affrighted.htm - 23k Affright (10 Occurrences) Frightened (38 Occurrences) Pursuers (19 Occurrences) Accustom (1 Occurrence) Sorely (23 Occurrences) Terrified (88 Occurrences) Kicked (9 Occurrences) Longed (24 Occurrences) Languishing (6 Occurrences) Resources Affrighted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Affrighted (60 Occurrences)Mark 16:5 Mark 16:6 Luke 24:5 Luke 24:37 Acts 10:4 Philippians 1:28 Revelation 11:13 Genesis 45:3 Exodus 15:15 Deuteronomy 1:21 Deuteronomy 7:21 Deuteronomy 20:3 Deuteronomy 31:6 Deuteronomy 31:8 Joshua 1:9 Joshua 8:1 Joshua 10:25 1 Samuel 28:21 2 Samuel 4:1 1 Chronicles 28:20 Job 4:5 Job 7:14 Job 18:20 Job 21:6 Job 22:10 Job 23:15 Job 23:16 Job 39:22 Psalms 6:2 Psalms 6:3 Psalms 30:7 Psalms 48:5 Psalms 83:17 Isaiah 13:8 Isaiah 20:5 Isaiah 21:3 Isaiah 21:4 Isaiah 31:4 Isaiah 31:9 Isaiah 51:7 Jeremiah 1:17 Jeremiah 8:9 Jeremiah 10:2 Jeremiah 14:9 Jeremiah 17:18 Jeremiah 23:4 Jeremiah 30:10 Jeremiah 49:37 Jeremiah 51:32 Ezekiel 2:6 Ezekiel 3:9 Ezekiel 26:18 Daniel 4:5 Daniel 4:19 Daniel 5:6 Daniel 5:9 Daniel 7:15 Daniel 7:28 Daniel 8:17 Malachi 2:5 Subtopics Related Terms |