The term "terrifieth" is an archaic form of the verb "terrify," which means to cause someone to feel extreme fear. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the awe-inspiring and fear-inducing presence or actions of God, as well as the fear that can be instilled by other forces or circumstances. The use of "terrifieth" is found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, but the concept remains relevant in modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical Context

1. Divine Power and Majesty: The Bible frequently describes God as a being whose power and majesty can terrify humans. This is not merely to instill fear but to evoke a sense of reverence and awe. For instance, in the context of God's judgment or revelation, His presence is often described as overwhelming and fearsome. In Job 37:22-24 , it is written, "Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power. In His justice and great righteousness, He does not oppress. Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart."

2. Judgment and Wrath: The concept of being terrified is also associated with God's judgment and wrath against sin. The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's holiness and justice. In Isaiah 2:19 , the prophet speaks of a time when people will hide in caves and holes in the ground from the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

3. Fear of the Lord: The fear that God instills is not solely about being afraid but is also about a deep respect and acknowledgment of His authority and power. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This fear is foundational to a proper relationship with God, leading to wisdom and understanding.

4. Protection and Deliverance: While God's presence can terrify, it also offers protection and deliverance to those who trust in Him. The fear of the Lord is a source of security for believers. Psalm 34:7 declares, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This verse highlights the protective aspect of fearing God, where His power is a refuge rather than a source of dread for the faithful.

5. Human Response to Divine Encounters: Throughout the Bible, individuals who encounter God or His messengers often experience terror. This reaction underscores the profound impact of divine encounters. In the New Testament, when the shepherds saw the angel announcing Jesus' birth, they were initially terrified. Luke 2:9 recounts, "And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified."

Theological Implications

The concept of "terrifieth" in the Bible serves to remind believers of the dual nature of God's character—His love and mercy, as well as His holiness and justice. It calls for a balanced understanding of God, where reverence and awe are coupled with love and trust. The fear of the Lord is not about living in constant dread but about recognizing His rightful place as the sovereign Creator and Judge, leading to a life of obedience and worship.

Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace
... Wait for Me; yea, wait; I will come and heal thee. It is temptation which
vexeth thee, and a vain fear which terrifieth thee. What ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxx of seeking divine.htm

Psalm CXII.
... [5018] "Merciful, pitying, and just is the Lord God." It delighteth us that He is
"merciful and pitying," but it perhaps terrifieth us that the Lord God is ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxii.htm

A Morning Prayer for the Sabbath-Day.
... And give me grace to submit myself unto his ministry, as well when he terrifieth
me with judgments, as when he comforteth me with thy mercies; and that I may ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a morning prayer for the.htm

Psalm XXXVI.
... When God worketh miracles through His Preachers, He lightneth through the clouds,
He terrifieth through the clouds, and watereth by the rain. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvi.htm

John vii. 25-27
... Again, had He been about to stay with them a long time, so also they would have
been remiss. But now He in every way compelleth and terrifieth them. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily l john vii 25-27.htm

Hebrews i. 1, 2
... Moreover, if darkness of itself afflicteth and terrifieth our souls, how then will
it be when together with the darkness there are likewise so great pains and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily i hebrews i 1.htm

Psalm LXVII.
... Hear of the Lord raining upon her: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
[2671] He raineth, and that same rain is thunder; it terrifieth: fear thou ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvii.htm

Terrifieth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Terrifieth (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 16:15 And Saul's servants
said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. ...
/t/terrifieth.htm - 6k

Terrify (27 Occurrences)

/t/terrify.htm - 13k

Terrorizing (1 Occurrence)
... Terrorizing (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 16:15 And Saul's servants said unto him:
'Behold now, an evil spirit from God terrifieth thee. (See NAS). ...
/t/terrorizing.htm - 6k

Terrifiest (1 Occurrence)

/t/terrifiest.htm - 6k

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