In the context of the Bible, the term "alarmed" often describes a state of fear, anxiety, or concern in response to a perceived threat or unexpected event. This emotional response is depicted in various narratives and teachings throughout Scripture, illustrating both human vulnerability and the divine call to trust in God.

Old Testament Instances

One notable instance of being alarmed is found in the account of King Jehoshaphat. In 2 Chronicles 20:3 , it is recorded, "Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah." Here, Jehoshaphat's alarm is due to the impending attack by a vast army. His response, however, is to seek the Lord, demonstrating a model of turning to God in times of fear.

The Psalms also reflect the theme of alarm. In Psalm 55:5 , David expresses his distress: "Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me." This verse captures the intense emotional turmoil that can accompany alarming situations, yet the Psalms frequently transition from expressions of fear to declarations of trust in God's protection and deliverance.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the disciples often experienced alarm, particularly in the presence of supernatural events or when faced with the reality of Jesus' mission. In Mark 4:40 , after calming the storm, Jesus asks His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" This question highlights the tension between human fear and the call to faith in Christ's power and authority.

The resurrection accounts also include moments of alarm. In Mark 16:5-6 , when the women visit Jesus' tomb, they encounter an angel: "As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. But he said to them, 'Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.'" The angel's message redirects their alarm to the joyous reality of the resurrection.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible acknowledges the natural human response of being alarmed but consistently points believers toward faith and reliance on God. The Scriptures encourage believers to move from fear to trust, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7 : "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The biblical narrative thus provides both examples of alarm and the assurance of God's presence and sovereignty, urging believers to find peace and confidence in Him amidst life's uncertainties.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Alarm.

2. (a.) Aroused to vigilance; excited by fear of approaching danger; agitated; disturbed; as, an alarmed neighborhood; an alarmed modesty.

1719. emphobos -- terrible, in fear (used of godly fear)
... Word Origin from en and phobos Definition terrible, in fear (used of godly fear)
NASB Word Usage frightened (2), much alarmed (1), terrified (2). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1719.htm - 7k

5399. phobeo -- to put to flight, to terrify, frighten
... to fear. From phobos; to frighten, ie (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to
be in awe of, ie Revere -- be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5399.htm - 9k

2360. throeo -- to be troubled
... Verb Transliteration: throeo Phonetic Spelling: (thro-eh'-o) Short Definition: I
disturb, agitate Definition: I disturb, agitate; pass: I am troubled, alarmed. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2360.htm - 6k

4426. pturo -- to be frightened
... I frighten, terrify. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to be frightened
NASB Word Usage alarmed (1). terrify. From a presumed ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4426.htm - 6k

8429. tevah -- to be startled or alarmed
... 8428, 8429. tevah. 8430 . to be startled or alarmed. Transliteration: tevah
Phonetic Spelling: (tev-ah') Short Definition: astounded. ...
/hebrew/8429.htm - 6k

927. behal -- to alarm, dismay
... 926, 927. behal. 928 . to alarm, dismay. Transliteration: behal Phonetic
Spelling: (be-hal') Short Definition: alarmed. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/927.htm - 6k

926. bahal -- to disturb, terrify
... A primitive root; to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), ie (figuratively) be (causative,
make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously ...
/hebrew/926.htm - 6k

2648. chaphaz -- to be in trepidation, hurry or alarm
... root Definition to be in trepidation, hurry or alarm NASB Word Usage alarm (2),
alarmed (1), fled in alarm (1), haste (1), hurried away (1), hurry (1 ...
/hebrew/2648.htm - 6k

But Perhaps Some one is Alarmed at Hearing us Discourse of the ...
... 16. But perhaps some one is alarmed at hearing us discourse of the death of Him
of Whom, a short while since, we said that He is everlasting with God the Father ...
/.../16 but perhaps some one.htm

Epiphanius is Asked to Meet John; on Refusing He is Admonished ...
... Chapter XIV."Epiphanius is asked to meet John; on refusing he is admonished concerning
his Anticanonical Proceedings; alarmed at this he leaves Constantinople ...
/.../chapter xiv epiphanius is asked to.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. v. 22, "Whosoever Shall Say to ...
... 1. The section of the Holy Gospel which we just now heard when it was read, must
have sorely alarmed us, if we have faith; but those who have not faith, it ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon v on the words.htm

The Denial of St. Peter
... in the midst of the conversation, cast a bold glance at Peter and said, 'Thou also
wast with Jesus the Galilean.' These words startled and alarmed Peter; he ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter x the denial of.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 2, "Now There is in Jerusalem ...
... descend. Well might piety be alarmed, if Christ in the flesh subject to
change were only spoken of. ... Flesh. Why art thou alarmed? ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxiv on the words.htm

Preface by David Lewis.
... In the monastery of the Incarnation the Saint was led on, without her own knowledge,
to states of prayer so high, that she became alarmed about herself. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/preface by david lewis.htm

You Observe How He Treats Ambrose. First, He Calls Him a Crow and ...
... out to be the glory of the churches of Christ, who has spoken of the testimonies
of the Lord even in the sight of persecuting kings and has not been alarmed. ...
/.../25 you observe how he.htm

Repentance and Restitution.
... Many people have confounded the two. They think they have to be alarmed and terrified;
and they are waiting for some kind of fear to come down upon them. ...
/.../the way to god and how to find it/chapter vi repentance and restitution.htm

Speaks of the Manner in which God Communicates with the Soul by ...
... us, manifesting His love by wonderful apparitions and visions which, if He is pleased
to aid me, I will describe to you so that you may not be alarmed if any ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter viii speaks of the.htm

Letter xviii. --Sacrifice and Fidelity.
... "But in spite of all this I still feel very much alarmed." Yes, that cannot be helped;
our condition in this life is one of fear, because no one can be ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xviii sacrifice and fidelity.htm

Alarmed (28 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Alarm. 2. (a.) Aroused to vigilance; excited by fear of approaching danger;
agitated; disturbed; as, an alarmed neighborhood; an alarmed modesty. ...
/a/alarmed.htm - 14k

Terrified (88 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Terrified (88 Occurrences). Matthew 14:26 When the disciples
saw Him walking on the waves, they were greatly alarmed. ...
/t/terrified.htm - 30k

Alarm (26 Occurrences)

/a/alarm.htm - 16k

Question (153 Occurrences)
... (BBE). John 19:8 More alarmed than ever, Pilate no sooner heard these words than
he re-entered the Praetorium and began to question Jesus. (WEY). ...
/q/question.htm - 37k

Neighborhood (7 Occurrences)
... my neighborhood. 3. (n.) The inhabitants who live in the vicinity of each
other; as, the fire alarmed all the neighborhood. 4. (n ...
/n/neighborhood.htm - 8k

Opportunity (35 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:25 But when he dealt with the subjects of justice, self-control, and the
judgement which was soon to come, Felix became alarmed and said, "For the ...
/o/opportunity.htm - 17k

Josiah (51 Occurrences)
... When this book was read to him, the king was alarmed by the things it contained,
and sent for Huldah, the "prophetess," for her counsel. ...
/j/josiah.htm - 42k

Judith (1 Occurrence)
... Having heard of the ruin of other temples caused by the invading foe, the Jews became
greatly alarmed for the safety of their own, and fortified the mountains ...
/j/judith.htm - 27k

Lictors (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:38 This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed when
they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. (WEY DBY). ...
/l/lictors.htm - 6k

Greatly (297 Occurrences)
... these works of power? (BBE). Matthew 14:26 When the disciples saw Him walking
on the waves, they were greatly alarmed. "It is a spirit ...
/g/greatly.htm - 34k

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