The Hebrew word môwrâʼ, represented by H4172, denotes fear, dread, or terror. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible, signifying its use in specific, impactful contexts. Derived from the verb to fear H3372, it implies not just an emotion but also a fearful thing or deed.
In the biblical narrative, H4172 describes both a divinely ordained authority and God's awesome power. Following the flood, the fear of man is established over every beast of the earth and fowl of the air Genesis 9:2. The term is repeatedly used to describe the mighty acts of God in delivering Israel from Egypt, referred to as "great terrors" Deuteronomy 4:34, "great terribleness" Deuteronomy 26:8, and "great terror" Jeremiah 32:21. The word also carries the meaning of proper reverence, as when the LORD H3068 asks the priests who despise His name, "where is my fear?" Malachi 1:6.
Several related words help clarify the concept of fear and dread:
- H3372 yârêʼ (to fear; morally, to revere): This is the root verb from which H4172 is derived. It is used to describe the correct response to God, as seen in Malachi's description of the covenant with Levi, which was given for the fear H4172 with which he feared H3372 God Malachi 2:5.
- H2844 chath (dread, terror): This word is often used in parallel with H4172 to intensify the meaning. In Genesis, the fear H4172 and dread H2844 of man are placed upon all creation Genesis 9:2.
- H6206 ʻârats (to awe or (intransitive) to dread): This term is used to distinguish worldly fear from godly fear. The people are told not to fear H3372 the world's fear H4172 or be afraid H6206, but to let the LORD be their dread H6206 Isaiah 8:12-13.
The theological weight of H4172 is significant in understanding God's nature and humanity's proper response to Him.
- Divine Power in Salvation: The use of H4172 to describe the Exodus event highlights that God's deliverance of Israel was accomplished through overwhelming and terrifying power, manifesting as signs H226, wonders H4159, and "great terrors" Deuteronomy 4:34.
- The Proper Object of Fear: Isaiah draws a sharp contrast, commanding the people not to fear what the world fears but to sanctify the LORD of hosts, making Him their fear H4172 and their dread H6206 Isaiah 8:13.
- Covenantal Reverence: The term is linked to covenant relationship. God gave Levi the covenant for the fear H4172 with which he feared God's name Malachi 2:5. This fear is a form of honor due to God, which the priests in Malachi's time had failed to give Malachi 1:6.
In summary, H4172 conveys a powerful sense of awe that extends beyond simple fright. It is used to characterize the terrifying power God wielded to redeem His people, the reverential honor He is due as Lord, and the authority He grants. The word challenges the reader to direct their fear correctly—not toward worldly threats, but toward the LORD of hosts, who is the one "that ought to be feared" Psalms 76:11.
TRV