### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word bᵉʻâthâh (בְּעָתָה), Strong's H1205, is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root bāʻat (בָּעַת), Strong's `{{H1204}}`. The root bāʻat conveys the sense of "to terrify," "to dismay," "to trouble," or "to be afraid." As a noun, bᵉʻâthâh therefore denotes the *state* or *effect* of being thus terrified or troubled. Its core semantic range encompasses "fear," "dismay," "terror," and "trouble." It signifies a profound disturbance, often emotional, psychological, or spiritual, caused by something frightening or overwhelming. The nuance implies a sudden, intense fright or a deep, unsettling anxiety that permeates one's being, rather than a general apprehension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word bᵉʻâthâh (H1205) is remarkably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once:
* **[[Job 6:4]]**: "For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me." Here, "terrors" translates bᵉʻâthâh (בִּעוּתֵי אֱלוֹהַּ). In this poignant lament, Job describes the depth of his suffering, attributing his profound distress and inner turmoil directly to the "terrors of God." The phrase emphasizes not merely a general state of fear, but a specific, overwhelming, and unsettling experience of dread that Job perceives as a direct assault from the divine. This single occurrence powerfully conveys the intense psychological and spiritual anguish that consumes Job, portraying his fear as a pervasive and deeply troubling affliction. It underscores the severity of his perceived divine abandonment and hostility.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **bāʻat (בָּעַת) `{{H1204}}`**: This is the verbal root from which bᵉʻâthâh is derived. The verb means "to be terrified," "to dismay," "to trouble," or "to scare." Examples include [[1 Samuel 16:14]] where an evil spirit from the Lord *troubled* Saul, and [[Job 7:14]] where Job states, "Then you scare me with dreams and terrify me with visions." The noun bᵉʻâthâh represents the *result* or *manifestation* of the action described by the verb bāʻat.
* **pāḥad (פַּחַד) `{{H6343}}`**: Meaning "terror" or "dread." While similar in conveying fear, pāḥad can refer to a more general sense of dread, often associated with divine presence or judgment. bᵉʻâthâh, by its singular usage, highlights a more personal, overwhelming, and internally experienced trouble.
* **yirʼah (יִרְאָה) `{{H3374}}`**: Meaning "fear," "awe," or "reverence." This word frequently carries a positive connotation, referring to the "fear of the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom ([[Proverbs 9:10]]). In stark contrast, bᵉʻâthâh lacks this positive, reverential aspect, focusing exclusively on the distressing and disorienting nature of fear.
* **ḥarad (חָרַד) `{{H2729}}`**: Meaning "to tremble" or "to be anxious." This often describes the physical manifestation of fear or anxiety.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of bᵉʻâthâh in [[Job 6:4]] carries profound theological weight, primarily in the context of Job's suffering and his struggle with divine justice. Job's attribution of his "terrors" directly to God ("terrors of God") highlights a core theological dilemma: how can a righteous individual experience such overwhelming, disorienting fear and distress, seemingly inflicted by a just and benevolent God?
The word emphasizes the *depth* and *intensity* of Job's psychological and spiritual anguish. It portrays his suffering not merely as physical pain but as a profound internal disturbance, a soul deeply troubled and disoriented by what it perceives as divine hostility. This particular "fear" is distinct from the reverential "fear of the Lord" that leads to wisdom; instead, it represents a destructive, disorienting form of terror that challenges Job's very understanding of God's character and his own piety.
bᵉʻâthâh thus underscores the human experience of profound spiritual and psychological distress when confronted with inexplicable suffering, especially when that suffering is perceived as originating from the divine. It compels reflection on the mysterious nature of divine sovereignty, the reality of human suffering, and the limits of human comprehension in the face of God's inscrutable ways.
### Summary
The Hebrew word bᵉʻâthâh (H1205) is a powerful, albeit rare, noun derived from the root bāʻat (`{{H1204}}`), meaning "fear," "dismay," or "trouble." Its singular occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Job 6:4]], is exceptionally significant. In this verse, Job laments "the terrors of God" (בִּעוּתֵי אֱלוֹהַּ) that afflict him, vividly portraying a state of overwhelming psychological and spiritual distress. bᵉʻâthâh signifies not merely a fleeting emotion, but a deep, pervasive, and unsettling anguish, perceived as a direct and troubling assault from the divine. This word powerfully communicates the intensity of Job's internal turmoil amidst his suffering, distinguishing it from other forms of fear like reverential awe (e.g., yirʼah `{{H3374}}`), and underscoring the profound theological questions raised by his experience of inexplicable terror.
TRV