The concept of fear and terror is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often illustrating the power and majesty of God, the consequences of sin, and the challenges faced by God's people. The term "terrifies" and its variations are used to describe both the fear of the Lord and the dread of circumstances or enemies.

Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is a profound reverence and awe for God, recognizing His holiness, power, and justice. This fear is foundational to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This fear is not merely terror but a deep respect that leads to obedience and worship.

God's Majesty and Power

God's presence and actions often inspire terror among those who witness His power. In Exodus 20:18-19 , when God descends upon Mount Sinai, the Israelites are terrified by the thunder, lightning, and the sound of the trumpet. They plead with Moses, "Speak to us yourself, and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us, or we will die." This reaction underscores the overwhelming nature of God's holiness and the human response to His direct revelation.

Judgment and Consequences

The Bible frequently describes the terror associated with God's judgment. In Deuteronomy 28, the curses for disobedience include terrifying consequences that would befall Israel if they turned away from God. Deuteronomy 28:67 captures this fear: "In the morning you will say, 'If only it were evening!' and in the evening you will say, 'If only it were morning!'—because of the dread in your hearts and the sights you will see."

Enemies and Persecution

God's people often face terrifying enemies and situations. In Psalm 27:1-3 , David expresses confidence in the Lord despite the terror of his adversaries: "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust."

Divine Assurance and Comfort

Despite the presence of terror, God provides assurance and comfort to His people. Isaiah 41:10 offers a powerful promise: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness." This assurance is a recurring theme, emphasizing God's protection and faithfulness.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the fear of God continues to be a significant theme, but believers are also encouraged to find peace in Christ. In John 14:27 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." The presence of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit provide believers with the strength to face fear and terror with confidence.

Eschatological Terror

The Book of Revelation describes terrifying events associated with the end times. Revelation 6:15-17 depicts the terror of those who face God's wrath: "Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?'"

Throughout Scripture, the concept of terror serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the ultimate victory and peace found in Him.926. bahal -- to disturb, terrify
... 2), eager (1), hastened (1), hastens (1), hastily (1), hasty (1), hurried (1),
hurriedly (1), hurry (2), quickly (1), terrified (7), terrifies (1), terrify (3 ...
/hebrew/926.htm - 6k

That Faith in Christ Justifies.
... received by faith. The preaching of repentance, which accuses us, terrifies
consciences with true and grave terrors. [For the preaching ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 4 that faith in.htm

Article iii: of Christ.
... As long as He terrifies us, and seems to cast us into eternal death, human nature
is not able to take courage, so as to love a wrathful, judging, and punishing ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 2 article iii of.htm

Article xii (V): of Repentance.
... endure it. Thus Paul says, Gal.2, 19: I through the Law am dead to the Law,
For the Law only accuses and terrifies consciences. In ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 15 article xii v .htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... And the Lord, with ceaseless assiduity, exhorts, terrifies, urges, rouses, admonishes;
He awakes from the sleep of darkness, and raises up those who have ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

One of Paul's Thanksgivings
... This is not the overclouding of the stars. This is not the oil failing till our
lamps go out. This is not the darkness that terrifies our children. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xiii one of pauls thanksgivings.htm

That we Obtain Remission of Sins by Faith Alone in Christ.
... That is, sin terrifies consciences, this occurs through the Law, which shows the
wrath of God against sin; but we gain the victory through Christ. How? ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 5 that we obtain.htm

1 Cor. vi. 15
... Wherefore Paul does both: here he abashes, saying, "Know ye not that we shall judge
angels?" there again he terrifies, saying, "Know ye not that the covetous ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xviii 1 cor vi.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... By bringing forward then "the hay" and "the stubble," he terrifies; but by speaking
of the dignity of that noble birth which was theirs, he puts them to shame ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm

Letter xix (AD 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
... on the field of battle and combats bravely; he ranges, sword in hand, along the
ranks, through the bloody blades which seek him; he terrifies his adversaries ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xix a d 1127 to.htm

1897
... be exceeding pure before appearing in the sight of the All-Holy God, still I know
that He is infinitely just, and this very Justice which terrifies so many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/vi 1897.htm

Terrifies (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Terrifies (3 Occurrences). Job 22:10 Therefore snares
are around you. Sudden fear troubles you, (See NAS NIV). ...
/t/terrifies.htm - 7k

Terrifiest (1 Occurrence)

/t/terrifiest.htm - 6k

Terrified (88 Occurrences)

/t/terrified.htm - 30k

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... 5. The Outer Wall: the Plantations: To the outer wall of the city Sennacherib gave
a Sumerian name meaning, "the wall which terrifies the enemy." At a depth of ...
/n/nineveh.htm - 52k

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