חַלְחָלָה (chal.cha.lah)
chal.cha.lah
anguish
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chalchalah describes a profound state of physical and emotional distress, encompassing anguish, trembling, and terror. It conveys more than simple sadness; it suggests a visceral reaction to danger or divine judgment that causes the body to shake with fear or pain.
This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 21:3. There, the prophet uses it to depict the overwhelming dread felt by those witnessing the fall of Babylon. The imagery captures a moment where shock and horror paralyze the observer, reflecting a deep human response to catastrophic events.
The word’s rarity highlights its intensity. By using chalchalah in this specific context, Isaiah emphasizes the sheer magnitude of the coming disaster. It serves as a stark reminder of the emotional weight carried by those facing sudden, overwhelming change or divine intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chalchalah describes a deep, trembling anguish that goes beyond simple sadness. It captures a visceral reaction to danger or divine judgment, where fear causes the body to shake with pain. Isaiah uses this rare term in Isaiah 21:3 to depict the overwhelming dread felt by those witnessing the fall of Babylon.
When life brings sudden, catastrophic change, it is natural to feel paralyzed by shock and horror. This word reminds us that such intense emotional weight is a real human response. We do not need to hide our distress or pretend everything is fine when we face overwhelming circumstances.
In times of deep anxiety, you can bring your trembling heart to God. He understands the full weight of your pain and offers comfort in the midst of uncertainty. Your feelings are valid before Him, and He invites you to rest in His presence rather than carrying this burden alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- anguish1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַלְחָלָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 21:3
Therefore my thighs are filled with anguish. Pains have seized me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am in so much pain that I can’t hear. I am so dismayed that I can’t see.
This verse uniquely uses chalchalah to describe the physical trembling and sensory overload of terror experienced during a moment of divine judgment.