יָגוֹר
fearful
Definition
The noun יָגוֹר (yâgôwr) describes a state of fear, dread, or terror. It refers to the specific emotion of being afraid, often in the context of facing a powerful enemy or a dire threat. In its two biblical occurrences, it is used to describe the fear experienced by a king facing judgment (Jeremiah 22:25) and the fear from which God promises to deliver an individual (Jeremiah 39:17). The word consistently conveys a profound and paralyzing sense of fear rather than a mild anxiety.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 22:25, God declares that the king of Judah will be given into the hand of his enemy, 'even you, and [you] of whom you are afraid (יָגוֹר).' In Jeremiah 39:17, God promises to deliver Ebed-melech, saying, 'I will surely deliver you... you shall not fall by the sword, but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in me, declares the LORD.' The word appears in contexts of divine judgment and divine rescue from a terrifying situation.
Etymology
יָגוֹר (yâgôwr) is a noun derived from the verb יָגֹר (yâgor, H3025), which means 'to fear, dread, be afraid.' This root verb is used elsewhere to describe the terror inspired by God (e.g., Isaiah 8:12-13) or by enemies. The noun form יָגוֹר specifically denotes the object or state of that fear—the thing that is dreaded or the feeling of dread itself.
Semantic Range
This word, though rare, highlights a key theme in the prophets: human fear in the face of divine sovereignty. In Jeremiah, the terror (יָגוֹר) of the king (22:25) is a direct consequence of opposing God, while the deliverance from that same terror for Ebed-melech (39:17) is a reward for trust. It illustrates that ultimate security is found not in avoiding fearful circumstances, but in trusting the God who controls them. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the contrast between the fate of the faithless ruler and the faithful servant.
In the ancient Near East, fear and dread were common responses to the perceived wrath of deities or the power of conquering armies. The specific fear denoted by יָגוֹר would have been understood as a consuming terror that could lead to capitulation or flight. Its use in a royal context (Jeremiah 22:25) underscores that even the most powerful human authorities are subject to overwhelming fear when divine judgment falls.
פַּחַד (pachad, H6343) — a more common word for terror or dread, often sudden. יִרְאָה (yir'ah, H3374) — a broader term for fear that includes reverence and awe, especially toward God. חִתָּה (chittah, H2844) — terror that causes dismay or shattering.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →