The shekhinah (Biblical Hebrew: שכינה‎ šekīnah; also Romanized shekina(h), schechina(h), shechina(h)) is the English transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "dwelling" or "settling" and denotes the dwelling or settling of the divine presence of God. <br>Presence of God <br> <br>The Scriptures often speak of God's presence in human history. The most common Hebrew term for "presence" is panim [yIn'P], which is also translated "face, " implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. The Greek word prosopon [provswpon] has the same semantic range. The Greek preposition enopion [ejnwvpion] also commonly appears; several other Hebrew and Greek words occur only a few times. <br> <br>God's presence carries a wide range of meaning. It may be something people fear. Adam and Eve's sinfulness drove them to hide from the Lord in the garden of Eden ( Gen 3:8 ). God's holiness cast light on Isaiah's sinfulness ( Isa 6:5 ). Many people who encountered God or his angel feared for their lives ( Judges 13:22 ; Luke 1:11-12 ; 2:9 ). Others tried unsuccessfully to escape his presence ( Jon 1:3 ). As God displays his presence through his great power, the whole earth trembles ( Judges 5:5 ; Psalm 68:8 ). False gods also become powerless before him ( Isa 19:1 ). Fear and trembling are proper responses before the One who controls all creation ( Jer 5:22 ). <br> <br>God's presence provides comfort in times of trouble or anxiety ( Joshua 1:5 ). The downcast seek him and find encouragement and strength to praise him ( Psalm 42:5 ).