from בָּלַהּ; alarm; hence, destruction; terror, trouble.
Transliteration:ballâhâh
Pronunciation:bal-law-haw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H1091}}` (בַּלָּהָה, *ballâhâh*) derives from the root `{{H1086}}` (בָּלַהּ, *balah*), which carries the primary sense of "to be worn out," "to decay," or "to be terrified." This etymological connection is crucial, as it imbues ballâhâh with a semantic range that extends beyond a mere feeling of fear. Its core meaning encompasses "alarm," "terror," and "dread." However, due to its root, it often signifies a terror that is deeply debilitating, overwhelming, and leads to a state of ruin or destruction. Thus, its extended meanings include "destruction," "calamity," and "trouble," reflecting the devastating consequences often associated with such profound fear. It describes not just an emotion, but a condition or an event that brings about utter desolation, a wearing away of security and existence itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1091}}` appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Job and Ezekiel, where its usage consistently underscores its profound and often destructive nature.
In the book of Job, ballâhâh speaks to the deep, internal anguish experienced by the righteous sufferer:
* In [[Job 6:4]], Job laments, "For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; their poison drinks up my spirit; the terrors of God are arrayed against me." Here, ballâhâh (בַּלָּהוֹת אֱלוֹהַּ) refers to the overwhelming, soul-consuming dread and affliction that Job perceives as coming directly from God. It is an active, external force inflicting internal torment.
In the prophetic book of Ezekiel, ballâhâh is frequently associated with divine judgment and the utter destruction of nations:
* [[Psalm 73:19]] provides a striking parallel, describing the sudden downfall of the wicked: "How they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors (בַּלָּהוֹת)." Here, ballâhâh signifies the agent or state of their complete and instantaneous ruin.
* In [[Ezekiel 26:21]], God declares concerning Tyre, "I will make you a terror (לַבַּלָּהוֹת אֶתְּנֵךְ), and you shall be no more; though you are sought, you will never be found again, declares the Lord GOD." Tyre is not merely terrified, but *becomes* a ballâhâh, an object lesson of utter destruction and disappearance.
* Similarly, [[Ezekiel 27:36]] states, "The merchants among the peoples hiss at you; you have become a horror (לַבַּלָּהוֹת הָיִיתָ), and you shall be no more forever." Tyre's complete ruin makes it a terrifying example to others.
* The repetitive use in [[Ezekiel 32:23]], [[Ezekiel 32:24]], [[Ezekiel 32:25]], [[Ezekiel 32:26]], and [[Ezekiel 32:27]] reinforces this theme. Speaking of the nations cast into Sheol, the text repeatedly notes that "terror was caused in the land of the living" (כִּי בַּלָּהָה נִתְּנָה בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים). These nations, who once inflicted terror upon others, now face their own terrifying demise and complete obliteration, becoming a horrifying example of divine retribution.
Across these contexts, ballâhâh consistently denotes a state of profound dread and the ensuing destruction, whether experienced as divine affliction (Job) or as the ultimate outcome of divine judgment on the wicked (Psalms, Ezekiel).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H1091}}` is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms expressing fear, dread, and destruction:
* **Root Verb `{{H1086}}` (בָּלַהּ, *balah*):** The direct linguistic ancestor, emphasizing the "wearing out" or "decay" aspect, which translates into the debilitating and ruinous nature of ballâhâh.
* **`{{H6343}}` (פַּחַד, *pachad*):** Often translated "dread" or "terror," this term frequently describes the fear inspired by God's presence or power, sometimes bordering on awe. Unlike ballâhâh, *pachad* does not always carry the inherent connotation of destruction.
* **`{{H2731}}` (חֲרָדָה, *charadah*):** Signifies "trembling," "anxiety," or "fear," often a physical manifestation of inner apprehension. It is a more general term for fear.
* **`{{H367}}` (אֵימָה, *eimah*):** Denotes "dread" or "terror," particularly an awe-inspiring fear that can be associated with divine or supernatural power. It can be a fear that leads to paralysis.
* **`{{H4172}}` (מְהוּמָה, *m'humah*):** Refers to "confusion," "discomfiture," or "panic," often implying a state of disorder brought about by a sudden fright or divine intervention.
While these terms share semantic overlap, ballâhâh stands out for its strong association with a terror that is inherently destructive, leading to ruination or a complete state of being overwhelmed and consumed.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1091}}` is profound, particularly in its portrayal of divine sovereignty and judgment:
* **Divine Judgment and Retribution:** Ballâhâh serves as a potent descriptor of God's instruments of judgment. In Ezekiel, it is the terrifying state into which proud nations are plunged, a direct consequence of their rebellion and the terror they themselves inflicted. It underscores the principle of divine justice, where those who cause terror are consumed by it.
* **Overwhelming Power of God:** The "terrors of God" in Job highlight the absolute, overwhelming power of the Almighty. Even the righteous can experience profound suffering and dread when subjected to divine purposes, demonstrating human vulnerability before an omnipotent God.
* **Consequence of Sin and Pride:** For the wicked, ballâhâh is not merely a feeling but an active force of destruction, signifying the inevitable and complete downfall that awaits those who defy God. It strips away any illusion of security or self-sufficiency apart from divine favor.
* **Prophetic Warning:** In its prophetic contexts, ballâhâh functions as a stark warning. The fate of Tyre and other nations serves as an enduring testament to the severity of God's judgment and the futility of human pride against divine power.
### Summary
`{{H1091}}` (בַּלָּהָה, *ballâhâh*) is a powerful Hebrew term signifying "alarm," "terror," and ultimately "destruction." Rooted in a verb meaning "to be worn out," it conveys a sense of profound, debilitating dread that leads to utter ruin. Biblically, its occurrences in Job describe the intense, divinely-sent affliction experienced by the righteous, while in Ezekiel, it vividly portrays the complete and terrifying destruction meted out to wicked nations as a form of divine judgment. Ballâhâh underscores God's sovereign power to inflict overwhelming calamity, serving as both a consequence of sin and a stark prophetic warning. It speaks to the utter vulnerability of humanity before the divine and the terrifying reality of divine justice.
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