The Hebrew verb charad means to tremble, to be startled with fear, or to be anxious. It describes a physical and emotional response to something alarming — often the overwhelming presence of God, a threat, or unexpected news.
Charad captures the body's visceral response to fear and awe. In the wilderness narratives, the Israelites trembled (charad) at Sinai. Prophetic texts use it to describe the trembling of nations before God's judgment. Isaiah 66:2 uses it as a mark of the person God honors — one who 'trembles at his word.'
Theologically, charad reminds believers that holy fear is appropriate before God. The person who trembles at God's word is not paralyzed by dread but is rightly ordered — reverent, attentive, and teachable.