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H6342 · Hebrew · Old Testament
פָּחַד
Pachad
Verb; also Noun
To tremble, fear, dread

Definition

The Hebrew word pachad (פָּחַד) as a verb means to tremble, to be in dread or awe, to fear greatly. As a noun it means dread, sudden terror, or the object of fear. It is used for both creaturely fear of God and the terror of judgment, as well as the godly fear that leads to obedience and worship.

Usage & Theological Significance

Pachad captures the visceral, trembling quality of the fear of God. Job 3:25 reveals that what Job deeply feared came upon him — showing that anxiety-driven fear differs from trusting fear of God. Isaiah 2:10,19 describes the terrifying pachad of the Lord's Day of Judgment. Proverbs 1:33 promises that those who listen to wisdom will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. The contrast throughout Scripture is between slavish, creaturely terror and the holy reverence-fear that produces life. 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10).

Key Bible Verses

Job 3:25 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.
Isaiah 2:19 People will flee to caves in the rocks and to holes in the ground from the fearful presence of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty.
Proverbs 3:25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked.
Psalm 36:1 I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Isaiah 60:5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy.

Related Words

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