a primitive root; to storm; by implication, to shiver, i.e. fear; be (horribly) afraid, fear, hurl as a storm, be tempestuous, come like (take away as with) a whirlwind.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâʻar**, represented by `{{H8175}}`, is a primitive root that conveys concepts of intense, violent motion and the terror it inspires. Its core meaning is to storm, but by implication, it extends to shivering, fearing, or being horribly afraid. It is also used to describe being hurled as a storm or taken away as with a whirlwind. This potent term appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**, consistently associated with overwhelming force and a profound emotional response.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H8175}}` is employed to illustrate both natural phenomena and intense human or divine action. It describes the powerful and awesome presence of God, who is "very **tempestuous**" when He comes in judgment [[Psalms 50:3]]. The word serves as a simile for swift and devastating military conquest, as when the king of the north comes against his enemy "like a whirlwind" [[Daniel 11:40]]. It is also used to depict divine judgment upon the wicked, who are taken away "as with a whirlwind" [[Psalms 58:9]] or **hurled** from their place like a storm [[Job 27:21]]. In several prophetic passages, it captures a state of extreme terror, commanding the heavens to "be horribly **afraid**" [[Jeremiah 2:12]] and describing kings who are "sore **afraid**" at the sight of God's judgment [[Ezekiel 27:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify and expand upon the themes of terror and overwhelming force connected to `{{H8175}}`:
* `{{H8178}}` **saʻar** (a tempest; also a terror): This related noun is used as an intensifier, appearing alongside `{{H8175}}` to describe kings being "**sore** afraid" or "**horribly** afraid," emphasizing the sheer terror of the moment ([[Ezekiel 27:35]], [[Ezekiel 32:10]]).
* `{{H8074}}` **shâmêm** (to stun... devastate or... stupefy): This word for being astonished or desolate is often paired with `{{H8175}}`. The heavens are told to be **astonished** and horribly afraid [[Jeremiah 2:12]], showing the connection between seeing a terrifying event and being left stunned by it.
* `{{H2729}}` **chârad** (to shudder with terror; hence, to fear): This term describes the physical reaction to the fear induced by events associated with `{{H8175}}`. After kings are made "horribly afraid" by God's brandished sword, they will **tremble** at every moment [[Ezekiel 32:10]].
* `{{H7393}}` **rekeb** (a vehicle... chariot): This word is directly linked to the "whirlwind" imagery of `{{H8175}}` in the context of warfare, where an invading king's attack comes with **chariots** and horsemen [[Daniel 11:40]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8175}}` is centered on the awesome and terrifying power of God and the proper response to it.
* **The Nature of Divine Judgment:** The word illustrates that God's judgment is not a quiet or subtle event. It is swift, violent, and irresistible, like a storm that **hurleth** a person from their place [[Job 27:21]] or a whirlwind that sweeps away the wicked [[Psalms 58:9]].
* **Awe-Inspiring Theophany:** When God appears, His presence is described as **tempestuous** [[Psalms 50:3]]. This communicates His immense power and holiness, which naturally produces a sense of awe and fear in creation.
* **Fear as a Response to Sin and Judgment:** The term is used to describe the profound terror experienced by those who witness divine retribution. Kings are "horribly **afraid**" not just of an army, but of the Lord brandishing His sword, linking the fear directly to God's action [[Ezekiel 32:10]]. The heavens themselves are commanded to be horribly **afraid** in response to Israel's unfaithfulness [[Jeremiah 2:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8175}}` is a vivid word that bridges the gap between a physical storm and the emotional state of terror. It is used to characterize the overwhelming force of military assaults, the irresistible power of divine judgment, and the profound, shivering fear that results from witnessing such power. Whether describing God's coming, the onslaught of an army, or the reaction of onlookers, **sâʻar** conveys an experience of being utterly overwhelmed.
TRV