a primitive root; to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general; be afraid, stand in awe, (be in) fear, make to shake.
Transliteration:pâchad
Pronunciation:paw-kkad'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root פָּחַד (pâchad, `{{H6342}}`) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the sense "to be startled by a sudden alarm." This foundational meaning emphasizes an immediate, often involuntary, physiological reaction to perceived danger or an unexpected event. From this core, its semantic range expands to encompass a broader spectrum of fear:
* **Sudden Terror/Startle:** The initial jolt of fright, often leading to physical manifestation.
* **General Apprehension/Dread:** A more sustained state of being afraid or anxious about a potential threat.
* **Reverential Awe:** In certain contexts, it can denote a profound sense of awe or dread in the presence of overwhelming power, particularly divine majesty, leading to trembling or prostration.
* **Physical Manifestation:** The definition explicitly includes "make to shake," highlighting the common physical response of trembling or quaking associated with intense fear.
Thus, פָּחַד (pâchad) captures the visceral, immediate, and often physically expressed experience of fear, ranging from terror to a deep, awe-filled reverence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of פָּחַד (pâchad, `{{H6342}}`) across the Hebrew Bible illustrates its varied nuances:
* **Sudden Terror and Physical Reaction:** In [[Job 4:14]], Eliphaz describes a terrifying vision: "Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake." Here, פָּחַד (pâchad) clearly denotes a sudden, overwhelming fright accompanied by a physical shaking, aligning perfectly with the root's primary meaning. Similarly, in [[Psalm 53:5]], describing the enemies of God's people, it says, "There were they in great fear (פָּחַד), where no fear was," implying an unexpected and baseless terror that grips them.
* **Instilling Dread in Others:** The verb is often used to describe God's action of instilling dread or fear in the hearts of enemies, thereby protecting His people. In [[Deuteronomy 2:25]], God declares, "This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven." Here, פָּחַד (pâchad) signifies a divinely orchestrated terror that precedes Israel's advance, paralyzing their adversaries.
* **Fear of the Lord/Divine Judgment:** While less common than `{{H3372}}` (yare') for the "fear of the Lord," פָּחַד (pâchad) can describe the intense, almost overwhelming dread that accompanies a direct encounter with divine power or the anticipation of divine judgment. [[Isaiah 2:10]] exhorts, "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty." This portrays a profound, almost terrifying awe in the face of God's overwhelming glory, leading to a desire to hide.
* **Freedom from Fear:** Conversely, the absence of פָּחַד (pâchad) signifies security and peace. [[Proverbs 1:33]] states, "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear (פָּחַד) of evil." This highlights wisdom as a source of deliverance from anxiety and dread, promising a state of undisturbed tranquility.
### Related Words & Concepts
פָּחַד (pâchad, `{{H6342}}`) exists within a rich semantic field of Hebrew words for "fear," each with its own emphasis:
* **`{{H3372}}` יָרֵא (yare'):** This is arguably the most common Hebrew word for "fear." While it can denote terror, its primary emphasis, especially in religious contexts, is often on reverential awe, respect, and obedience toward God ("the fear of the Lord"). While פָּחַד (pâchad) often describes the *physical and immediate experience* of being startled or trembling, יָרֵא (yare') more frequently describes the *attitude* of reverence or the *state* of being afraid, whether reverently or in terror. The two can overlap, but פָּחַד (pâchad) distinctly highlights the suddenness and physiological impact.
* **`{{H2729}}` חָרַד (charad):** Meaning "to tremble, be anxious, be afraid." This word is very close to פָּחַד (pâchad) in its emphasis on physical trembling due to fear or awe. Both can describe the shaking induced by terror or by the presence of the divine.
* **`{{H6206}}` עָרַץ ('arats):** To dread, be terrified, to cause to tremble. This word also conveys intense fear and dread, often associated with overwhelming power or a terrifying presence.
The concept of פָּחַד (pâchad) is intrinsically linked to human vulnerability, the power of enemies, the overwhelming majesty of God, and the physical manifestations of emotional states.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּחַד (pâchad, `{{H6342}}`) is multifaceted:
* **The Overwhelming Nature of God:** When פָּחַד (pâchad) describes the reaction to God, it underscores His immense power, holiness, and sovereignty. It's the "startled" response to encountering the Holy, a trembling awe that acknowledges the vast chasm between finite humanity and infinite Deity. This is not merely terror but a profound recognition of God's unapproachable majesty, which can lead to repentance and submission.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Sin:** The dread (פָּחַד) that comes upon the wicked or those facing God's judgment highlights the real and terrifying consequences of rebellion against a holy God. It serves as a warning and a call to turn from sin. The fear of impending doom can be a catalyst for seeking God's mercy.
* **God as Protector and Deliverer:** Paradoxically, God is also the one who removes פָּחַד (pâchad) from His people and instills it in their enemies. This demonstrates His protective care and His sovereign control over the hearts of all people. For the righteous, freedom from this dread is a sign of God's blessing and faithfulness, allowing them to dwell in security and peace.
* **Human Experience and Trust:** The presence of פָּחַד (pâchad) in human experience speaks to the reality of a fallen world, where dangers, enemies, and the unknown can provoke fear. Yet, the biblical narrative consistently points to God as the ultimate refuge, the one in whom trust can overcome even the deepest dread.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פָּחַד (pâchad, `{{H6342}}`) is a potent term for "fear," rooted in the vivid image of being startled by sudden alarm. Its semantic range extends from immediate, visceral terror often accompanied by physical shaking, to a more generalized apprehension, and even to a profound, reverential awe in the presence of the divine. Unlike `{{H3372}}` (yare'), which often emphasizes a respectful or reverential fear, פָּחַד (pâchad) more frequently highlights the suddenness, intensity, and physiological manifestation of fear. Theologically, פָּחַד (pâchad) reveals the overwhelming majesty of God, the terrifying consequences of sin, and God's sovereign power to both instill dread in the wicked and deliver His people from all fear, offering them a profound sense of peace and security.
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