The term "terrific" in contemporary usage often denotes something extremely good or excellent. However, its original meaning was more aligned with causing terror or fear. In the context of the Bible, the concept of something being "terrific" can be understood through the lens of awe-inspiring or fear-inducing events and attributes, particularly those associated with the divine.

Divine Power and Majesty

The Bible frequently describes God’s power and majesty in terms that evoke awe and reverence, which can be understood as "terrific" in the sense of inspiring fear and wonder. In Exodus 15:11 , the song of Moses praises God: "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?" This passage highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God’s deeds, which are both fearsome and marvelous.

The Fear of the Lord

The concept of the "fear of the Lord" is central to understanding the biblical notion of something being terrific. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not merely terror but a profound respect and reverence for God’s power and holiness. It is this reverence that is often described as the beginning of wisdom, indicating that recognizing the "terrific" nature of God is foundational to a proper relationship with Him.

Terrific Events and Miracles

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous events that can be described as terrific due to their miraculous and awe-inspiring nature. The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) is one such event, where God’s intervention on behalf of the Israelites is both fearsome and wondrous. Similarly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central event in the New Testament that embodies the terrific power of God over life and death, as described in Matthew 28:5-6 : "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.'"

Judgment and Wrath

The Bible also speaks of God’s judgment and wrath in terms that can be considered terrific. The prophetic books often describe the Day of the Lord as a time of great fear and awe. Joel 2:11 states, "The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very terrible—who can endure it?" This passage underscores the fearsome aspect of God’s judgment, which is both just and awe-inspiring.

Conclusion

In summary, the biblical concept of "terrific" encompasses both the fearsome and awe-inspiring aspects of God’s nature and actions. Whether through His majestic power, the reverence He commands, the miraculous events He orchestrates, or the righteous judgment He enacts, the Bible presents a view of God that is truly "terrific" in the fullest sense of the word.(a.) Causing terror; adapted to excite great fear or dread; terrible; as, a terrific form; a terrific sight.5400. phobetron -- a (cause of) terror
... fearful sight. Neuter of a derivative of phobeo; a frightening thing, ie Terrific
portent -- fearful sight. see GREEK phobeo. (phobetra) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5400.htm - 6k

The Climax of Jesus' Suffering.
... It is strange to angels of the upper world, for they do not know, and cannot, the
terrific meaning of sin as did Jesus. ... It was terrific here under the trees. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the climax of jesus suffering.htm

The Adventures of Saint David of Wales.
... the numbers of foes his master's sword had slain; huge were the giants he had
overthrown; savage were the wild beasts he had slaughtered; terrific were the ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter ten the adventures of.htm

The Birth of Saint George.
... England he alone belongs, even if we did not see him, on many a golden guinea, engaged
in his desperate encounter with the most terribly terrific and greenest ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter one the birth of.htm

Fire! Fire! Fire!
... "When thou goest through the rivers,""those mountain torrents which with
terrific force are often sufficient to carry a man away. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/fire fire fire.htm

He Comes to his Own.
... The story of the trial and crucifixion in chapters eighteen and nineteen, puts the
most terrific emphasis on the words, "received Him not." They not only keep ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/he comes to his own.htm

Growing Faith.
... Well, perhaps if we call to mind with what an utter shock the events of that terrific
twenty four hours came, intensified the more by the unexpectedness and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/growing faith.htm

The Broad Inner Horizon.
... But when the real eyes open, the inner eyes that see the unseen, the change of
perspective is first ludicrous, then terrific, then pathetic. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the broad inner horizon.htm

Sin's Brood.
... In its beginning he speaks of man, universally, morally, as he had come to know
him. His arraignment is simply terrific in its sweep and detail. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/sins brood.htm

Masterful Dying.
... hand. Then His head is bowed, His great heart broke under the terrific strain
on His spirit as He allowed His life to go out. From ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/masterful dying.htm

The Release of Saint George.
... They witnessed the same terrific sights, and heard the same sounds as did Saint
David and the faithful Owen; but, equally dauntless, they clove their onward ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eleven the release of.htm

Terrific (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Causing terror; adapted to excite great fear or dread;
terrible; as, a terrific form; a terrific sight. ...Terrific (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/terrific.htm - 6k

Terribly (9 Occurrences)

/t/terribly.htm - 9k

Vanishing (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:20 Then, when for several days neither sun nor stars were seen and the terrific
gale still harassed us, the last ray of hope was now vanishing. (WEY). ...
/v/vanishing.htm - 7k

Gale (8 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 27:20 Then, when for several days neither sun nor stars were seen and
the terrific gale still harassed us, the last ray of hope was now vanishing. ...
/g/gale.htm - 9k

Ray (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:20 Then, when for several days neither sun nor stars were seen and the terrific
gale still harassed us, the last ray of hope was now vanishing. (WEY). ...
/r/ray.htm - 8k

Dread (69 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To fear in a great degree; to regard, or look
forward to, with terrific apprehension. 2. (vi) To be in dread, or great fear. ...
/d/dread.htm - 26k

Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... Jehovah interposed in behalf of Israel by a terrific hailstorm, which caused more
deaths among the Canaanites than did the swords of the Israelites. ...
/b/beth-horon.htm - 30k

Beth-arbel (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BETH-ARBEL. beth-ar'-bel (beth 'arbe'l): The scene
of a terrific disaster inflicted on the inhabitants by Shalman (Hosea 10:14). ...
/b/beth-arbel.htm - 8k

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... Jehovah interposed in behalf of Israel by a terrific hailstorm, which caused more
deaths among the Canaanites than did the swords of the Israelites. ...
/b/bethhoron.htm - 30k

Betharbel (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BETH-ARBEL. beth-ar'-bel (beth 'arbe'l): The scene
of a terrific disaster inflicted on the inhabitants by Shalman (Hosea 10:14). ...
/b/betharbel.htm - 8k

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