Lexical Summary tiphletseth: Horror, terror, trembling Original Word: תִּפְלֶצֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance terrible From palats; fearfulness -- terrible. see HEBREW palats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom palats Definition a shuddering, horror NASB Translation terror (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [תִּפְלֶ֫צֶת] noun feminine shuddering, horror; — suffix תִּפְלַצְתְּךָ Jeremiah 49:16 horror at thee! (exclamation); not quite certain, see Gie. פלשׂ see פלס. above Topical Lexicon Overview of the Word in Scripture Strong’s Hebrew 8606 תִּפְלֶצֶת appears a single time, in Jeremiah 49:16, within the oracle of judgment against Edom. It is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as “terror,” capturing the dread inspired by that nation’s reputation for invincibility. The term functions rhetorically, exposing the hollowness of self-made security and the inevitability of divine reckoning. Canonical Context Jeremiah 49 gathers a series of judgments against foreign peoples. Edom’s indictment parallels the brief prophecy of Obadiah, emphasizing pride, geographical security, and eventual humiliation. By situating תִּפְלֶצֶת within this broader catalog of oracles, the Spirit illustrates that no nation or individual can hide behind natural fortresses or military prestige when confronted by the LORD’s sovereignty (Jeremiah 49:14-22; Obadiah 1:3-4). Usage in Jeremiah 49:16 “The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dweller in the clefts of the rock, O occupier of the heights of the hill. Though you make your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD”. 1. Object of misplaced confidence: Edom’s name and mountain redoubts struck fear into neighboring tribes. That very reputation becomes an indictment: dread can be weaponized but also self-deceptive. Historical Background Edom, descended from Esau, occupied the mountainous terrain south of the Dead Sea, including Sela (later Petra). Its cliffs offered natural barricades, and its participation in caravan trade enriched the nation. Archaeology and extrabiblical texts confirm Edom’s strategic use of elevated dwellings and narrow passes, reinforcing the biblical picture of seemingly impregnable security. Yet fifth-century records show Edom eventually displaced and absorbed; the prophecy’s fulfillment underscores the reliability of Jeremiah’s word. Theological Themes 1. Pride precedes downfall (Proverbs 16:18). The singular occurrence of תִּפְלֶצֶת captures pride’s outward manifestation—projected fear—before the collapse. Practical Ministry Application • Warning against intimidation: Leaders today may rely on fear-mongering to secure power. Jeremiah 49:16 dismantles that strategy, reminding believers that confidence built on terror is self-defeating. New Testament Parallels • Luke 18:14: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Both passages echo the downfall-after-pride trajectory announced through תִּפְלֶצֶת and assure believers that God’s justice remains consistent from Jeremiah’s day to the present age. Summary תִּפְלֶצֶת, though occurring only once, serves as a vivid theological signpost: any terror that exalts human strength over divine rule is fleeting. Jeremiah’s prophecy against Edom stands as a perpetual reminder that the LORD alone is to be feared, trusted, and glorified. Forms and Transliterations תִּֽפְלַצְתְּךָ֞ תפלצתך tiflatzteCha tip̄·laṣ·tə·ḵā tip̄laṣtəḵāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 49:16 HEB: תִּֽפְלַצְתְּךָ֞ הִשִּׁ֤יא אֹתָךְ֙ NAS: As for the terror of you, The arrogance KJV: Thy terribleness hath deceived INT: the terror deceived the arrogance 1 Occurrence |
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