תִּפְלֶ֫צֶת (tiph.le.tset)
tiph.le.tset
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 tiphletset conveys a visceral sense of shuddering or horror. It describes a physical reaction to something so terrifying that it causes trembling. This is not merely fear, but a deep, instinctive recoil triggered by an overwhelming threat.
Its single biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 49:16 illustrates this intensity. The word describes the terror that will strike Edom because of its arrogance. The prophet uses it to show how pride can lead to a sudden, paralyzing dread when confronted with divine judgment.
The term likely derives from a root meaning "to be terrified" or "to tremble." This connection emphasizes the bodily nature of the response. It is not an intellectual fear but a physical shaking that leaves no room for calm reflection.
Translators often render it as "horror" or "terror." These English words capture the suddenness and depth of the emotion. The word reminds readers that true terror can strip away confidence and leave only raw, trembling awareness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tiphletset describes a terror so intense it causes physical trembling. It is not calm worry, but a visceral shock that leaves no room for reflection. In Jeremiah 49:16, this dread strikes Edom because pride has deceived them. Their confidence in their high places could not withstand the reality of divine judgment.
When we face overwhelming threats or our own arrogance, we often feel a similar shaking. This word reminds us that true security does not come from our strength or position. It comes from humility before God. We can rest in the knowledge that He sees all hearts and acts with justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- horror/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּֽפְלַצְתְּ/ךָ֞1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 49:16
As for your terror, the pride of your heart has deceived you, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill, though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there,” says Yahweh.
This verse shows how pride creates a false sense of security that collapses into paralyzing terror when confronted by God.