The Hebrew word yâgôwr, represented by H3016, is a term for being fearful or afraid. It appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, but its usage within the book of Jeremiah provides a pointed look at the nature of fear in the face of judgment and the promise of divine deliverance.
Both occurrences of H3016 appear in prophecies concerning the impending Babylonian threat. In one context, the word describes a fear that will be realized as judgment. The LORD declares He will give Judah into the hand of the Babylonians, the very ones "whose face thou fearest" Jeremiah 22:25. In contrast, the word is also used in a message of personal salvation, where the LORD promises a specific individual, "I will deliver thee... and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid" Jeremiah 39:17.
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context surrounding the fear described by H3016:
- H5337 nâtsal (to snatch away... deliver): This word stands as the divine counter-action to fear. In Jeremiah 39:17, God's promise to deliver is the direct answer to the fear felt by the individual, showing His power to rescue from the source of dread.
- H5414 nâthan (to give): This word is central to both verses where H3016 appears. God states He will give the people into the hands of those they fear Jeremiah 22:25, but also promises that another individual will not be given into the hands of those he fears Jeremiah 39:17, highlighting God's sovereignty over the outcome.
- H1245 bâqash (to search out... seek): The source of fear is more than a passive threat; it is active. In Jeremiah 22:25, the people fear those who seek their life, adding a layer of imminent and intentional danger to their state of being afraid.
The theological weight of H3016 is demonstrated through its specific prophetic context.
- Fear as a Consequence of Judgment: The fear of Nebuchadrezzar and the Chaldeans is not baseless. It is a direct result of Judah's turning from God, and being "given" over to what they fear is a component of divine judgment Jeremiah 22:25.
- Divine Deliverance from Fear: God's power is shown to be greater than the object of fear. The promise in Jeremiah 39:17 is not that the threat will disappear, but that God will personally deliver H5337 the faithful from it, nullifying the power of that fear.
- God's Sovereignty over Human Powers: The use of nâthan (to give) in both instances reveals that human enemies, no matter how feared, are instruments within God's control. He can give people over to them or rescue them from their hand.
In summary, H3016 is a focused term that, despite its rare use, carries significant theological implications. It is used exclusively in Jeremiah to frame the dual realities of divine judgment and divine deliverance. The word illustrates that while fear of earthly powers may be valid, the ultimate outcome rests in the hands of God, who can either use that fear as an instrument of His wrath or demonstrate His saving power by delivering His people from it.
TRV