from an unused root meaning to revolve (compare חָגַג); properly, vertigo, i.e. (figuratively) fear; terror.
Transliteration:châgâʼ
Pronunciation:khaw-gaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חָגָא (châgâʼ), Strong's `{{H2283}}`, derives from an unused root that conveys the sense of "revolving" or "circling." This root is conceptually linked to `{{H2287}}` (חָגַג - chāgaḡ), which can describe reeling or staggering, often in the context of celebration or intoxication. The primary, literal meaning of חָגָא is "vertigo," a disorienting sensation of spinning or loss of balance. Figuratively, this physical disorientation translates to a profound mental and emotional state: "fear" or "terror." It denotes a type of dread so overwhelming that it causes one's mind to "spin" or "reel," leading to a sense of helplessness and disarray. Thus, its semantic range encapsulates not merely apprehension, but a deep, disorienting, and paralyzing dread.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חָגָא (châgâʼ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, providing a singular yet potent instance for its contextual understanding.
* **[[Isaiah 19:17]]**: "And the land of Judah shall be a terror to Egypt; everyone who mentions it to him shall be afraid because of the counsel of the Lord of hosts which He has purposed against them."
In this prophetic oracle against Egypt, חָגָא is translated as "terror." The passage describes a future scenario where Judah, though seemingly weaker, will become a source of overwhelming dread for Egypt. The fear is not a simple apprehension but a profound, disorienting terror, consistent with the root meaning of "vertigo." This terror is explicitly attributed to "the counsel of the Lord of hosts," underscoring that the fear experienced by Egypt is divinely ordained and executed. The mention of Judah will be enough to induce this profound dread, indicating a psychological impact that precedes any physical confrontation. It highlights the debilitating nature of this specific kind of fear, which leaves one reeling and without footing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for חָגָא (châgâʼ) is to `{{H2287}}` (חָגַג - chāgaḡ), which shares the underlying notion of "revolving" or "circling." While `{{H2287}}` is most frequently associated with the joyous "reeling" of a pilgrim feast or dance, it can also describe the staggering of a drunkard or the reeling motion associated with distress. This shared root emphasizes the physical or mental state of being "spun around" or disoriented. For `{{H2283}}`, this disorientation is negative, manifesting as intense fear.
Other Hebrew words for "fear" or "dread" include:
* `{{H6343}}` (פַּחַד - pachad): A common term for dread, terror, or alarm.
* `{{H3372}}` (יִרְאָה - yir'ah): Can denote both negative fear (terror) and positive awe or reverence, particularly the "fear of the Lord."
* `{{H2731}}` (חֲרָדָה - charadah): Trembling, anxiety, or great fear.
What distinguishes חָגָא from these related terms is its unique connection to the physical sensation of vertigo, which emphasizes the overwhelming, destabilizing, and disorienting nature of the fear it describes. It suggests a fear that not only paralyzes but also profoundly disorients the mind, robbing one of composure and clarity.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of חָגָא in [[Isaiah 19:17]] carries significant theological weight, particularly in its context within a prophetic oracle of judgment.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The terror described is not a random human emotion but a direct consequence of "the counsel of the Lord of hosts." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His ability to orchestrate events, even the emotional states of His adversaries, to fulfill His purposes. The "terror" is a form of divine judgment, a psychological weapon wielded by God.
2. **The Impact of God's Presence/Action**: The word suggests that the very mention of Judah, now acting as an instrument of God's will, will induce a profound, disorienting fear in Egypt. This illustrates how the presence or anticipated action of God can profoundly impact those who stand in opposition to His plans, leading to a state of utter dread and helplessness.
3. **Contrast with "Fear of the Lord"**: While חָגָא describes a destructive, paralyzing terror inflicted as judgment, it stands in stark contrast to the "fear of the Lord" (yir'ah), which is often portrayed as the beginning of wisdom and a path to life and blessing. The "vertigo" of חָגָא leads to disarray and potential downfall, whereas reverential fear of God leads to stability and righteousness.
4. **Psychological Dimension of Prophecy**: The use of חָגָא emphasizes the deep psychological and emotional impact of God's prophetic declarations. It's not just a prediction of physical defeat but a foretelling of a profound spiritual and mental discomfiture that will precede and accompany the unfolding of God's judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָגָא (châgâʼ), Strong's `{{H2283}}`, is a rare but powerful term derived from a root meaning "to revolve," leading to the literal sense of "vertigo." Figuratively, it denotes an overwhelming and disorienting "fear" or "terror" that causes one's mind to reel. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 19:17]] vividly describes Judah becoming a source of such profound, divinely-ordained terror for Egypt, emphasizing God's sovereign control over nations and His use of psychological impact as a tool of judgment. חָגָא is distinct from other terms for fear by its unique connection to mental disorientation, highlighting a dread so intense it destabilizes the mind. Theologically, it underscores divine sovereignty, the nature of God's judgment, and the profound psychological effects of His actions on those who oppose His will.
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