חִתָּה (chit.tah)
chit.tah
terror
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 chittah describes a profound sense of terror or dread. It is not merely a momentary startle, but a deep-seated fear that often overwhelms the spirit. In the Bible, this word captures the visceral reaction to something powerful and frightening.
This term appears only once in Scripture, found in Genesis 35:5. The text uses it to explain why Jacob’s family moved quickly from Shechem without resistance. They were gripped by chittah, a divine fear placed upon the surrounding cities that prevented them from pursuing the group. This single usage highlights how such terror can act as a protective barrier.
Because its occurrence is so rare, the word carries significant weight in its context. It illustrates a supernatural intervention where fear serves a purpose beyond personal anxiety. The sources confirm its meaning as pure dread, distinguishing it from other words for respect or awe by emphasizing its paralyzing and reactive nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels overwhelming, it is easy to wonder if we are truly protected. The word chittah describes a deep, paralyzing dread that goes beyond simple nervousness. In Genesis 35:5, this terror was placed upon surrounding cities to stop them from chasing Jacob’s family. It shows how God can use fear as a shield when His people need safety.
This rare Hebrew term reminds us that we do not always have to fight our own battles alone. Sometimes the Lord creates boundaries that protect us from harm. Even in moments of uncertainty, you can trust that He watches over your steps and provides deliverance in ways you might not expect.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] terror of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חִתַּ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 35:5
They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob.
This verse shows the word describing a supernatural fear placed on enemies to protect Jacob's family from pursuit.