### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H2851 (חִתִּית - chittîyth) is derived directly from the verbal root `{{H2865}}` (חָתַת - chatat), which conveys the sense of "to be broken," "to be dismayed," or "to be terrified." As a noun, chittîyth therefore denotes the state or effect of this profound emotional and psychological experience. Its core meaning centers on intense fear, dread, or terror, suggesting a state of being utterly overwhelmed or paralyzed by apprehension. Unlike a mild anxiety, chittîyth implies a deep, often debilitating, consternation that can lead to a sense of helplessness or despair. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this severe form of fear, indicating a significant internal disruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H2851 appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, underscoring its potent meaning:
* **[[Deuteronomy 32:25]]**: In the Song of Moses, a prophetic warning of judgment upon Israel for their apostasy, God declares: "The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs." Here, chittîyth is strikingly juxtaposed with "the sword," representing external physical destruction. The "terror within" signifies an internal, psychological, and spiritual torment that accompanies the external calamities. This suggests a comprehensive judgment affecting both body and soul, where the very fabric of societal and personal well-being is undone by pervasive dread. The terror is not merely a reaction but an active agent of destruction, highlighting the devastating impact of divine displeasure.
* **[[Ezekiel 32:30]]**: Within a lamentation over the downfall of Egypt and its allies, the prophet describes the mighty warriors of Assyria and other nations who have descended to the pit: "There is terror of them, though they caused terror in the land of the living." (ESV translation: "whose terror was caused in the land of the living"). In this context, chittîyth refers to the dread and fear that these powerful, now-fallen empires inspired in others during their reign. Even in their demise, their legacy of terror persists, or it is a statement about the kind of people they were—those who instilled terror. It underscores the lasting impact of their destructive power and the fear they wielded, even as they themselves are now among the slain. This usage highlights the capacity of human sin and worldly power to inflict profound and lasting fear upon others.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H2865}}` (חָתַת - chatat)**: The verbal root from which chittîyth is derived, meaning "to be dismayed, terrified, broken." This etymological link emphasizes that chittîyth is the *result* or *state* of being subjected to the breaking power of fear.
* **`{{H6343}}` (פחד - pachad)**: Often translated as "dread," "terror," or "fear." While chittîyth focuses on the internal state of being terrified, pachad can also refer to the object of fear or the act of fearing, often with a sense of suddenness or trembling. They share a significant semantic overlap concerning intense fear.
* **`{{H3372}}` (ירא - yare')**: "To fear." This broader term can encompass both reverential awe (fear of God) and genuine dread. Unlike yare', which can carry positive connotations, chittîyth is almost exclusively used in a negative sense, denoting a destructive or debilitating fear.
* **`{{H2731}}` (חרדה - charadah)**: "Trembling," "anxiety," "fear." This word often emphasizes the physical manifestations of fear, such as trembling.
* **Concepts**: Divine judgment, human vulnerability, the psychological consequences of sin and rebellion, the destructive power of human empires, and the contrast between the peace offered by God and the terror of a world without His protection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chittîyth is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Judgment and Retribution**: In [[Deuteronomy 32:25]], chittîyth is presented as a direct consequence and instrument of God's judgment upon a disobedient Israel. It illustrates that divine judgment is not merely external punishment but also an internal, consuming terror that breaks the spirit. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's righteous judgment, affecting both the physical and psychological well-being of those who turn from Him.
* **Consequence of Unfaithfulness**: The presence of "terror within" is a stark indicator of a people's departure from God's covenant. When divine protection and blessing are withdrawn due to unfaithfulness, vulnerability to both external threats and internal psychological distress dramatically increases. chittîyth thus serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual decay and the unraveling of societal order.
* **The Destructive Power of Sin and Human Depravity**: The "terror" associated with the mighty, fallen nations in [[Ezekiel 32:30]] speaks to the immense destructive capacity of human empires fueled by pride and violence. Even in their demise, their legacy is one of fear and dread, serving as a grim reminder of the consequences of unbridled human power and the suffering it inflicts. It can also be seen as a form of poetic justice, where those who caused terror now face its lasting memory or the ultimate terror of divine judgment.
* **Contrast with God's Sovereignty and Peace**: The concept of chittîyth stands in stark contrast to the peace, security, and fearlessness that are promised to those who faithfully walk with God. Where God's presence is rejected or His commands are defied, terror can take root and flourish, demonstrating the profound difference between a life lived under divine favor and one outside of it.
### Summary
H2851 (חִתִּית - chittîyth) is a potent Hebrew noun denoting "fear" or "terror," derived from the root `{{H2865}}` meaning "to be dismayed" or "terrified." Its limited but impactful biblical occurrences reveal it as a profound internal and external consequence. In [[Deuteronomy 32:25]], chittîyth functions as an internal agent of destruction, a spiritual and psychological torment accompanying the physical judgments upon an unfaithful Israel. In [[Ezekiel 32:30]], it describes the lasting dread that mighty, fallen empires instilled in the living, underscoring their destructive legacy. Theologically, chittîyth serves as a stark indicator of divine judgment, the severe consequence of human rebellion and unfaithfulness, and the pervasive impact of human depravity. It represents a state of deep psychological distress and societal breakdown, standing in sharp opposition to the peace and security found in a right relationship with God.
TRV