בַּלָּהָה (bal.la.hah)
bal.la.hah
terror
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun balahhah describes a state of overwhelming terror or sudden calamity that leaves people paralyzed with fear. In the Hebrew Bible, it is not merely a momentary fright but a profound dread often associated with divine judgment or catastrophic events. The word appears seven times in Scripture, carrying a heavy weight of distress and ruin.
This term frequently depicts the psychological collapse of enemies or nations facing God’s power. For instance, Isaiah uses it to describe how Assyrian forces are struck with panic when they approach Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:7). Similarly, Job employs it to illustrate the sheer horror of impending disaster that strips away courage and stability.
Its root suggests a shaking or trembling motion, which aligns with its usage for the physical manifestation of extreme fear. Translators often render it as "terror" or "dread," capturing the visceral reaction of those who realize they are powerless against a greater force. It stands in contrast to confidence, marking the moment when human strength fails before divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for terror in this list points to a sudden, overwhelming dread that leaves people paralyzed. It is not just a momentary fright but a profound sense of doom often linked to divine judgment or catastrophic events. When the Bible uses this term, it describes the psychological collapse of those who stand against God’s power.
For believers, this word highlights the contrast between human weakness and divine authority. In Job 18:14, the phrase 'king of terrors' reminds us that even the strongest foundations can be shaken. Yet, this terror is reserved for those who oppose God’s order. For you, it serves as a reminder that true security does not come from your own strength or stability.
Instead, we find peace in knowing that God is sovereign over all fear. When calamity seems near, the same power that strikes down enemies with dread is also our refuge. This word invites us to trust in His protection rather than relying on our own resilience. It is a call to rest in the One who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sudden terror<s>5×
- sudden terror1×
- [the] terrors of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּלָּהֽוֹת\׃2×
- בַּלָּה֑וֹת1×
- בַּלָּ֫ה֥וֹת1×
- בַּלְה֥וֹת1×
- בַלָּהָ֔ה1×
- בַלָּה֑וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Job 18:14
He will be rooted out of the security of his tent. He will be brought to the king of terrors.
This verse uses the unique phrase 'king of terrors' to show that even personal security can be uprooted by divine judgment.
-
Isaiah 17:14
At evening, behold, terror! Before the morning, they are no more. This is the portion of those who plunder us, and the lot of those who rob us.
Here, terror is depicted as a sudden evening event that leaves enemies gone before morning, emphasizing God's swift justice.
-
Job 24:17
For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness, for they know the terrors of the thick darkness.
The 'terrors of the thick darkness' illustrate how fear can make even the brightest morning feel like night for the wicked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word balahhah mean?
How is balahhah different from other words for fear?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 3 books)
Job 5 verses
Terrors will make him afraid on every side, and will chase him at his heels.
Job 18:14He will be rooted out of the security of his tent. He will be brought to the king of terrors.
Job 24:17For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness, for they know the terrors of the thick darkness.
Job 27:20Terrors overtake him like waters. A storm steals him away in the night.
Job 30:15Terrors have turned on me. They chase my honor as the wind. My welfare has passed away as a cloud.