### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâʻath**, represented by `{{H1204}}`, is a primitive root used to describe the act of being afraid or the cause of fear. It is translated as to **fear, affright, terrify, or trouble**. Appearing 16 times in 16 unique verses, it conveys a sense of sudden dread or terror brought on by an external force, whether supernatural, human, or abstract.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H1204}}` is used to describe fear from various sources. It can be of divine origin, as when an evil spirit from the LORD **troubled** Saul [[1 Samuel 16:14]], or when David **was afraid** of the sword of the angel of the LORD [[1 Chronicles 21:30]]. The word also describes the terror felt in the presence of a heavenly messenger, which caused Daniel to be **afraid** and fall on his face [[Daniel 8:17]]. In other contexts, it is the result of human conflict, as when the wicked Haman **was afraid** before the king and queen [[Esther 7:6]]. The term is also applied figuratively, where abstract forces like "trouble and anguish" **make him afraid** [[Job 15:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of fear and terror:
* `{{H1091}}` **ballâhâh** (alarm; hence, destruction; terror, trouble.): This noun often describes the source of the fear that `{{H1204}}` expresses. It is used to personify the overwhelming nature of dread, as seen when "Terrors{H1091} shall make him afraid{H1204}" [[Job 18:11]].
* `{{H2865}}` **châthath** (to prostrate; hence, to break down... by confusion and fear;... affright, be (make) afraid... terrify.): This verb is used in parallel with `{{H1204}}` to depict the action of causing fear. In Job, God is described as the one who "scarest{H2865} me with dreams, and terrifiest{H1204} me through visions" [[Job 7:14]].
* `{{H6427}}` **pallâtsûwth** (affright; fearfulness, horror, trembling.): This term signifies a state of intense horror that grips a person. Isaiah uses it to describe a visceral reaction, stating, "fearfulness{H6427} affrighted{H1204} me" [[Isaiah 21:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1204}}` is significant, highlighting different facets of the relationship between God and humanity.
* **Divine Judgment:** Fear can be a tool of divine judgment. God sends an evil spirit to **trouble** Saul after the Spirit of the LORD departed from him, marking a clear consequence for disobedience [[1 Samuel 16:14]].
* **Awe of the Holy:** The word is used to describe the reaction of righteous individuals in the presence of divine power. Both David and Daniel are **afraid** when confronted with an angelic being, showing that this fear is a natural response to the supernatural holiness and might of God's messengers ([[1 Chronicles 21:30]], [[Daniel 8:17]]).
* **Consequence of Ungodliness:** Fear is often the fate of the wicked. The psalmist is **made afraid** by the "floods of ungodly men{H1100}" [[Psalms 18:4]], and Job describes how terrors and anguish will prevail against the wicked man [[Job 15:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1204}}` is more than a simple word for fear. It captures a deep and often sudden sense of being terrified or troubled. Its usage across Scripture reveals that this powerful emotion can stem from divine judgment, the awesome presence of the holy, or the destructive path of wickedness. From the torment of a king to the awe of a prophet, **bâʻath** illustrates the profound impact of terror on the human soul.
TRV