רָגַז

The Hebrew verb רָגַז (ragaz) refers primarily to a physical shaking or trembling, which can be caused by a variety of internal or external factors. This trembling can manifest as a literal shaking of the ground, as seen in descriptions of God's presence or judgment, or it can describe the emotional agitation of individuals or nations. The semantic range of the word includes ideas of fear, anger, disquiet, and even provocation.

In some contexts, רָגַז describes the trembling of the natural world in response to divine power, emphasizing God's might and majesty. This imagery often appears in poetic and prophetic literature, where it serves to underscore the awe-inspiring nature of God's actions. The trembling can also be a sign of divine wrath, indicating God's righteous anger against sin and rebellion.

When applied to people, רָגַז can express intense fear or dread, such as when nations tremble before God or His chosen people. It also describes internal agitation, fretfulness, or even righteous indignation. The nuance of the word depends heavily on the context, but the underlying idea of a violent emotional or physical tremor remains consistent. The KJV renderings reflect this wide range, using terms like "be afraid," "quake," "rage," and "trouble" to capture the various manifestations of רָגַז.