2866. chathath
Lexical Summary
chathath: terror

Original Word: חֲתַת
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chathath
Pronunciation: khaw-thath'
Phonetic Spelling: (khath-ath')
KJV: casting down
NASB: terror
Word Origin: [from H2865 (חָתַת - dismayed)]

1. dismay

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
casting down

From chathath; dismay -- casting down.

see HEBREW chathath

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from chathath
Definition
terror
NASB Translation
terror (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. חֲתַת noun [masculine] terror — only וַתִּירָ֑אוּ ׳תִּרְאוּ ח Job 6:21 (>Baer ִ˜תּירְאוּ for תִּרְאוּ) ye see a terror, and fear (note paronomasia in Hebrew; see Di).

Topical Lexicon
Overview

The Hebrew noun חֲתַת appears only once in the Old Testament, in Job 6:21. It denotes a sudden, paralyzing dread that overwhelms and unnerves. This singular usage places the word in a literary and theological spotlight, inviting careful reflection on the reality of human fear in the face of suffering and the sustaining sufficiency of God.

Biblical Setting

Job 6 records Job’s response to Eliphaz after the first cycle of speeches. Having tasted profound loss, Job rebukes his friends for failing to provide the comfort they had implied. He laments: “For now you are nothing; you see terror, and are afraid” (Job 6:21). חֲתַת (“terror”) captures the dismay that deterred these companions from true compassion. Instead of entering Job’s pain, they recoiled, exposing the limits of purely human sympathy.

Literary and Theological Nuances

1. Intensity of Emotion: The term conveys more than ordinary fear; it suggests an inward collapse, a shattering of composure. Job’s friends, once considered reliable, are unmasked as brittle under pressure.
2. Mirror of Human Frailty: By using a rare word, the author intensifies the moment, revealing how quickly even pious observers retreat when confronted with inexplicable suffering.
3. Contrast with Divine Steadfastness: Scripture repeatedly affirms that God does not share this fragility (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10). Job’s outcry exposes the gap between faltering human helpers and the unwavering help of the Lord.

Connection with Broader Biblical Themes

Though חֲתַת itself is unique to Job 6:21, the experience it names is echoed elsewhere:
Numbers 14:9 – Israel is urged not to “fear” the inhabitants of Canaan because the Lord is with them.
Deuteronomy 20:3 – Soldiers are commanded, “Do not faint, do not fear.”
Psalm 91:5 – The righteous “will not fear the terror of the night.”

Each passage contrasts debilitating dread with confidence grounded in God’s presence. Job 6:21 thus belongs to the canonical pattern: human terror stands opposite divine assurance.

Christological and Redemptive Insights

Jesus Christ entered the arena of human suffering, surrounded by disciples who, like Job’s friends, faltered (Matthew 26:56). Yet where human loyalty collapses, Christ remains faithful. Hebrews 2:15 declares that through His death He liberates “those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” In this light, Job 6:21 foreshadows the better Friend who overcomes terror and stays near to the suffering.

Application for Ministry

1. Pastoral Presence: Believers are called to resist the reflex to withdraw from pain. Romans 12:15—“weep with those who weep”—cannot be obeyed when חֲתַת prevails.
2. Encouraging Courage: Teaching on the fear of the Lord (reverence) displaces paralyzing dread. Proverbs 29:25 warns that the fear of man is a snare, whereas trust in the Lord brings safety.
3. Intercessory Comfort: Prayer helps the church stand with sufferers when explanations fail. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 portrays God as “the Father of compassion” who equips believers to comfort others.

Homiletical Suggestions

• Sermon theme: “When Friends Fail—Christ Remains.” Begin with Job 6:21; move to John 16:32; conclude with Hebrews 13:5.
• Small-group study: Explore instances of fear in Scripture, contrasting reactions driven by terror with responses grounded in faith.
• Counseling context: Help counselees name their own חֲתַת moments and trace how the gospel addresses each fear.

In the lone appearance of חֲתַת, Scripture exposes the frailty of human support while directing readers to the steadfast mercy of God, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ, who dispels terror with His abiding presence.

Forms and Transliterations
חֲ֝תַ֗ת חתת chaTat ḥă·ṯaṯ ḥăṯaṯ
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Job 6:21
HEB: ק) תִּֽרְא֥וּ חֲ֝תַ֗ת וַתִּירָֽאוּ׃
NAS: such, You see a terror and are afraid.
KJV: For now ye are nothing; ye see [my] casting down, and are afraid.
INT: not see A terror afraid

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 2866
1 Occurrence


ḥă·ṯaṯ — 1 Occ.

2865
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