### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H2866 (חֲתַת, *chăthath*) derives directly from the verbal root H2865 (חָתַת, *chāthat*), which means "to be broken," "to be shattered," "to be dismayed," or "to be terrified." Consequently, H2866 carries the core meaning of "dismay," "terror," "consternation," or a profound "shattering" of courage and resolve. It describes an internal state of intense fear or panic that is so overwhelming it can lead to a collapse of morale, strength, or even physical resistance. Unlike a general sense of fear, *chăthath* often implies a state of being utterly overwhelmed, where one's spirit or will is broken. Its semantic range thus encompasses not just the emotion of fear, but its debilitating effect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2866 appears a limited number of times in the Old Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, consistently portraying a deep sense of dread or incapacitating fear.
In [[Deuteronomy 1:28]], the Israelite spies' report causes *chăthath* among the people: "Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, 'The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.'" Here, *chăthath* is directly linked to the melting of the heart, indicating a profound loss of courage and a paralyzing fear in the face of perceived insurmountable odds, leading to disobedience and a lack of faith in God's power.
Rahab, in [[Joshua 2:9]], testifies to the pervasive *chăthath* that has fallen upon the inhabitants of Canaan: "I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that your terror (חֲתַת) has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you." This instance highlights God's active role in instilling this terror in the enemies of Israel, demonstrating His sovereign power to prepare the way for His people by breaking the morale of their adversaries.
Similarly, [[1 Samuel 11:7]] describes "the terror (חֲתַת) of the LORD" falling upon the people of Israel when Saul calls them to war against Nahash the Ammonite. This divine *chăthath* is not presented as a negative judgment but as a catalyst, compelling the people to unite and follow Saul, leading to a decisive victory. It illustrates how God can use even profound fear as a means to achieve His purposes and gather His people for action.
Finally, in [[2 Chronicles 32:18]], the Assyrian officers of Sennacherib speak to the people of Jerusalem "to frighten them and to cause them dismay (חֲתַת)." Here, *chăthath* is a deliberate psychological weapon employed by an enemy, aiming to break the spirit and resistance of the besieged city without direct combat.
Across these contexts, *chăthath* consistently describes a deep, often paralyzing fear, whether human-induced, divinely inflicted for judgment, or divinely orchestrated for the purpose of salvation and obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H2866 is its verbal root, H2865 (חָתַת, *chāthat*), which means "to be broken," "to be shattered," "to be dismayed," or "to be terrified." The noun H2866 is the direct manifestation of this breaking or terror.
Other related terms that describe fear or dread include:
* H3372 (יָרֵא, *yārē*): A more general term for "to fear," which can encompass both reverential awe and common dread. While *chăthath* is always negative in its immediate impact, *yārē* can be positive (e.g., "fear of the LORD").
* H6343 (פַּחַד, *paḥad*): Meaning "terror" or "dread," often used in parallel with or interchangeably with *chăthath* to describe intense, overwhelming fear.
* H926 (בָּהַל, *bāhal*): "To be terrified," "to be in haste," or "to be agitated." This word often implies a state of panic or confusion.
Conceptually, *chăthath* is linked to the breaking of morale, the loss of courage, and the psychological impact of overwhelming circumstances or divine intervention. It highlights themes of human vulnerability, the power of psychological warfare, and God's sovereignty over human emotions and outcomes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2866 is multifaceted. It underscores the fragility of human courage and resolve when faced with daunting challenges or the raw power of the divine.
1. **Human Weakness and Disobedience:** In [[Deuteronomy 1:28]], *chăthath* illustrates the human tendency to succumb to fear and doubt, leading to a lack of faith in God's promises and ultimately, disobedience. It serves as a cautionary tale against allowing external circumstances to overshadow trust in the Almighty.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Warfare:** Conversely, God is frequently depicted as the one who instills *chăthath* in the hearts of His enemies ([[Joshua 2:9]]). This demonstrates His active participation in the battles of His people, not just through physical might but through psychological warfare. The "terror of the LORD" can precede and ensure victory, illustrating that God fights for His people by breaking the spirit of their adversaries.
3. **Divine Catalyst for Obedience:** The "terror of the LORD" in [[1 Samuel 11:7]] presents a unique theological nuance. Here, *chăthath* is not a judgment but a divine impetus, compelling a disparate people to unite and act according to God's will. It shows that even fear, when divinely orchestrated, can serve as a powerful tool for galvanizing God's people for righteous purposes.
4. **The Need for Faith:** The presence of *chăthath* in human experience implicitly calls for a deeper reliance on God. When human strength and courage are shattered, true security is found only in the Lord. Overcoming *chăthath* requires faith that God is greater than any perceived threat.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2866 (חֲתַת, *chăthath*) signifies a profound state of "dismay" or "terror," stemming from the root meaning "to be broken" or "shattered." It describes a debilitating fear that breaks one's courage and resolve. Biblically, *chăthath* is seen as both a human response to overwhelming threats (leading to disobedience when faith is lacking, as in [[Deuteronomy 1:28]]) and, significantly, as a divinely inflicted condition. God uses *chăthath* to break the morale of His enemies ([[Joshua 2:9]]), thereby fighting on behalf of His people. Intriguingly, it can also be a "terror of the LORD" that serves as a divine catalyst, compelling His people to unity and action for His purposes ([[1 Samuel 11:7]]). Ultimately, *chăthath* highlights human vulnerability and the critical need for faith in God's sovereign power, demonstrating that even the most profound fear can be a tool in the hands of the Almighty.
TRV