### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉʻâthâh**, represented by `{{H1205}}`, means **fear** or **trouble**. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** within the book of Jeremiah. Its meaning is derived from the root word for fear, and it describes a state of sudden, shocking distress or terror, particularly when a positive outcome was expected.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H1205}}` exclusively captures a moment of profound disappointment and shock. Both occurrences appear in a nearly identical phrase where the people of Judah express their despair. They looked for a time of peace and healing, but instead were met with sudden **trouble** [[Jeremiah 8:15]]. This context is deepened when they cry out to God, asking why He has smitten them without a path to healing, lamenting that their hope for peace was answered with **trouble** [[Jeremiah 14:19]]. In both instances, the word signifies the dreadful reality that arrives in place of hoped-for deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H1205}}` is sharpened by the words it is directly contrasted with in scripture:
* `{{H7965}}` **shâlôwm** (peace): This word signifies welfare, health, prosperity, and peace. It represents the state of well-being the people desperately expected, making the arrival of **trouble** `{{H1205}}` all the more jarring [[Jeremiah 8:15]].
* `{{H4832}}` **marpêʼ** (healing; health; remedy): This term denotes a cure, deliverance, or restoration. The people looked for a time of **health** and **healing** but found none, receiving only **trouble** `{{H1205}}` instead [[Jeremiah 14:19]].
* `{{H6960}}` **qâvâh** (to expect; look, wait for): This word describes the act of hopeful expectation. The people were actively waiting for God's intervention, which sets the stage for the shock and **fear** of `{{H1205}}` when their hope was subverted [[Isaiah 40:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1205}}` is significant despite its infrequent use. It illustrates the stark consequences of covenantal disobedience.
* **The Subversion of Hope:** The word is used to describe the terror that results when the expectation of divine blessing is overturned. The people of Judah **looked** `{{H6960}}` for peace but received **trouble** `{{H1205}}`, a powerful statement on the results of their sin [[Jeremiah 8:15]].
* **The Fruit of Divine Judgment:** In Jeremiah, this **trouble** is not a random event but a direct consequence of God's action. The question, "why hast thou **smitten** `{{H5221}}` us... and behold **trouble** `{{H1205}}`!" directly links this state of fear to a feeling of being rejected and struck by God [[Jeremiah 14:19]].
* **The Absence of Blessing:** The presence of **bᵉʻâthâh** signifies a state where God's favor, **peace** `{{H7965}}`, and **healing** `{{H4832}}` have been withdrawn and replaced by their terrifying opposite.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1205}}` is more than a simple word for trouble. It is a potent and specific term describing the fearful shock of receiving judgment when blessing was anticipated. Its occurrences in Jeremiah frame it as the outcome of being **smitten** by God, where the hope for **peace** and **healing** is tragically replaced by a state of intense distress. The word serves as a stark reminder of the severe reversal of fortune experienced when a covenant relationship is broken.
TRV