The Hebrew word biʻûwthîym, represented by H1161, is a masculine plural term for terrors or alarms. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This specific word describes a state of profound dread and alarm, particularly when originating from a divine source and experienced as an overwhelming force.
In the biblical narrative, H1161 is used to express the peak of human suffering under divine affliction. Job, in his anguish, describes the "arrows of the Almighty" within him and states that "the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me" Job 6:4. Similarly, the psalmist cries out in despair that God's "fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off" Psalms 88:16. In both instances, the word portrays not just fear, but a targeted, destructive force sent from God.
Several related words provide context for the source and effect of these terrors:
- H2740 chârôwn (a burning of anger; sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (fierce) wrath(-ful)): This term is used in parallel with H1161 to describe the divine anger that accompanies the terrors Psalms 88:16. It signifies an intense, consuming wrath from God.
- H433 ʼĕlôwahh (a deity or the Deity; God, god): This name for God is identified as the direct source of the alarms in Job's lament Job 6:4, emphasizing that these are not random fears but originate from the Deity himself.
- H6186 ʻârak (to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order): This verb describes the action of the terrors in Job 6:4, where they "set themselves in array" like a disciplined army, highlighting their organized and inescapable nature.
- H6789 tsâmath (to extirpate... consume, cut off, destroy, vanish): This word defines the ultimate consequence of the terrors in Psalms 88:16, where the psalmist feels completely cut off and destroyed by them.
The theological weight of H1161 is significant, illustrating the darker aspects of the human encounter with divine power.
- Divine Judgment: The term is exclusively used to describe an experience of God's displeasure. The terrors are a manifestation of "fierce wrath" Psalms 88:16 and are explicitly called the "terrors of God" Job 6:4.
- Overwhelming Force: The language associated with H1161 conveys an unstoppable and decisive power. The terrors are "set... in array" like a military force Job 6:4 and have the power to "cut me off" Psalms 88:16, suggesting total devastation.
- The Anguish of the Sufferer: The word captures the profound spiritual and emotional crisis of a person who feels abandoned or attacked by God. It is linked to having one's spirit "drunk up" by poison Job 6:4 and being completely severed from life.
In summary, H1161 is a potent and specific term that articulates more than simple fear. In its rare appearances, it powerfully conveys the experience of being the target of divine wrath. It illustrates a sense of organized, overwhelming, and destructive alarm originating from God, used by biblical writers to express the deepest depths of anguish and the terrifying aspect of God's sovereign power.
TRV