רֶ֫טֶט (re.tet)
re.tet
panic
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun reṭet describes a sudden, overwhelming sense of trembling or panic. It captures the physical reaction to fear rather than the emotional state of anxiety itself. This word appears only once in the Bible, in Jeremiah 49:24.
In that verse, it depicts the shock felt by Damascus when news of impending judgment arrives. The term conveys a paralyzing fright that strikes without warning. Translators often render it as "panic" or "trembling," highlighting the visceral nature of the fear described.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word reṭet describes a sudden, overwhelming sense of trembling or panic. It captures the physical reaction to fear rather than the emotional state of anxiety itself. This word appears only once in the Bible, in Jeremiah 49:24. In that verse, it depicts the shock felt by Damascus when news of impending judgment arrives. The term conveys a paralyzing fright that strikes without warning.
When we face unexpected trouble, our bodies often react before our minds can process what is happening. This visceral response is part of being human. Scripture does not dismiss these feelings but acknowledges them as real and powerful. Even in moments of deep distress, God remains present and sovereign over the chaos around us.
We can bring our fears to Him honestly. He understands the weight of sudden shocks and the trembling that follows. Trusting in His care brings peace that steadies the heart, even when circumstances remain uncertain. You are held by a God who sees your fear and offers comfort.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ panic1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רֶ֣טֶט\׀1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 49:24
Damascus has grown feeble, she turns herself to flee, and trembling has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken hold of her, as of a woman in travail.
This verse uniquely uses reṭet to describe the paralyzing shock that seized Damascus upon hearing of impending judgment, highlighting the word's focus on sudden, visceral fear.