### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חִתָּה (chittâh), transliterated as *chittâh*, is derived from the verbal root חָתַת (chathath), Strong's number `{{H2865}}`, which means "to be dismayed," "to be broken," or "to be terrified." As a noun, חִתָּה denotes the state or effect of this terror, encompassing meanings such as "fear," "dread," "consternation," and "dismay." It describes an intense, often overwhelming sense of dread or panic that can lead to a loss of courage, resolve, or even physical collapse. Unlike general fear, חִתָּה often implies a sudden, paralyzing, and profoundly debilitating form of terror.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חִתָּה appears a limited number of times in the Old Testament, but its occurrences are significant, often highlighting divine action or consequences.
* **Divine Imposition of Terror:** One prominent context involves God causing terror to fall upon the enemies of His people. In [[Exodus 15:16]], during the Song of the Sea, Moses proclaims, "Terror and dread will fall on them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as a stone." Here, חִתָּה describes the divinely induced panic that incapacitates the nations hearing of Israel's miraculous deliverance. Similarly, in [[Ezekiel 32:30]], the downfall of mighty nations is described as going down "in terror," highlighting their inability to withstand divine judgment despite their former strength.
* **Consequence of Rejection:** In the wisdom literature, חִתָּה can represent the inevitable consequence for those who reject wisdom or divine counsel. [[Proverbs 1:26]] states, "I will mock when your terror comes," and [[Proverbs 1:27]] elaborates, "when your terror comes like a storm." This portrays חִתָּה as a sudden, overwhelming, and just recompense for folly.
* **Internal Dread/Judgment:** In [[Deuteronomy 32:25]], as part of God's judgment against Israel's apostasy, it is declared, "Outside the sword will bereave, and inside terror." Here, חִתָּה signifies an internal dread or consternation, a psychological torment alongside physical destruction.
* **Figurative Usage:** In [[Job 39:22]], describing the warhorse, it is said, "He scoffs at fear and is not dismayed." This usage emphasizes the horse's bravery and lack of חִתָּה, highlighting the debilitating nature of this terror by contrast. Jeremiah also uses the term in a plea to God in [[Jeremiah 17:17]], "Do not be a terror to me; You are my refuge in the day of disaster," expressing a desire for God to remain a source of refuge rather than judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for חִתָּה is its direct verbal root, חָתַת (chathath), `{{H2865}}`, meaning "to be dismayed" or "to be broken." This relationship underscores that חִתָּה is the *result* or *state* of being thus broken or terrified.
Other Hebrew words related to fear or dread, though with distinct nuances, include:
* יִרְאָה (yir'ah), `{{H3372}}`: This term can signify both negative "fear" and positive "awe" or "reverence," particularly in the context of "the fear of the Lord," which is foundational to wisdom.
* פַּחַד (pachad), `{{H6343}}`: Often translated as "dread" or "terror," and frequently used in parallel with חִתָּה, though it can also refer to the object of dread.
* חֲרָדָה (charadah), `{{H2731}}`: Meaning "trembling" or "great fear," often associated with physical manifestation of anxiety.
* Antonymously, concepts like courage, confidence, peace (שָׁלוֹם, *shalom*), and security stand in stark contrast to the paralyzing nature of חִתָּה.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חִתָּה is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The frequent portrayal of חִתָּה as divinely induced terror underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and individuals. It demonstrates that no human power or strength can ultimately stand against the Lord's will or judgment. When terror falls, it is a clear sign of God's active involvement in human affairs, ensuring the triumph of His purposes.
* **Consequence of Rebellion:** For those who oppose God or reject His wisdom, חִתָּה serves as a just and inevitable consequence. It is a manifestation of divine judgment, signaling the impending downfall of the wicked and highlighting the futility of resistance against the Almighty.
* **Protection of God's People:** Conversely, the terror experienced by enemies often functions as a means by which God protects and delivers His people. By instilling fear in their adversaries, God clears the way for Israel's advancement or ensures their security, demonstrating His commitment as a divine warrior.
* **Human Vulnerability:** The concept of חִתָּה highlights the inherent fragility and vulnerability of humanity. Without divine protection or in the face of overwhelming divine power, human beings are susceptible to a paralyzing and destructive fear that can lead to their undoing.
* **Distinction from Reverential Fear:** It is crucial to distinguish חִתָּה from the "fear of the Lord" (יִרְאָה, `{{H3372}}`). While the latter is a positive, reverential awe leading to wisdom, life, and blessing, חִתָּה is almost exclusively a negative, debilitating, and destructive fear, often associated with judgment and calamity.
### Summary
חִתָּה (chittâh) is a powerful Hebrew term signifying "fear" or "terror," derived from the root `{{H2865}}`, "to be dismayed" or "broken." This word describes an intense, often paralyzing dread that overwhelms individuals or nations. In biblical contexts, חִתָּה frequently manifests as a divinely induced terror that falls upon the enemies of God's people, demonstrating the Lord's supreme power and sovereignty, as seen in [[Exodus 15:16]]. It also functions as a just consequence for those who reject divine wisdom or defy God's will, as illustrated in [[Proverbs 1:26-27]]. Unlike the reverential "fear of the Lord," חִתָּה is consistently portrayed as a negative, debilitating force, underscoring human fragility in the face of divine judgment or overwhelming circumstances. Its presence in scripture powerfully illustrates the Lord's ability to humble the proud and protect His chosen, often through the very instrument of overwhelming dread.
TRV