### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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