תִּפְלֶצֶת

תִּפְלֶצֶת

fearfulness

Definition

The Hebrew noun תִּפְלֶצֶת (tiphletseth) denotes a state of extreme fear, terror, or dread. It describes something that is terrifying or dreadful, often evoking a profound sense of horror or awe. In its sole biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 49:16, it is used to describe the terror that the nation of Edom inspires in others, a dread that will ultimately be turned back upon them by God's judgment. The word carries a strong connotation of something that is shocking or horrifying, beyond ordinary fear.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 49:16. It appears in a prophetic oracle of judgment against Edom. The context is God declaring that the terror (תִּפְלֶצֶת) Edom has inspired in others—likely through its pride and violence—will cause even its own inhabitants to be horrified. The usage is specific to a prophetic announcement of divine retribution, where a nation's source of perceived power (its fearsome reputation) becomes the instrument of its downfall.

Etymology

The noun תִּפְלֶצֶת (tiphletseth) is derived from the root פלץ (p-l-ts, H6426), which means 'to be shattered, horrified, or to tremble.' This root conveys a sense of sudden, violent breaking or a state of being terrified. The noun form intensifies this meaning into an abstract concept of 'dreadfulness' or 'terror.' Cognates in other Semitic languages support the idea of trembling or fear.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights a theme of divine justice and reversal. In Jeremiah 49:16, the terror Edom projects is not a permanent source of security but is destined to recoil upon them by God's decree. It illustrates the biblical principle that human arrogance and the instillation of fear in others are ultimately subject to God's judgment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of this prophecy by emphasizing the completeness of the role reversal God will execute. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a nation's reputation for being fearsome was a tangible form of power and deterrence. Edom, dwelling in the seemingly impregnable mountain strongholds of Sela (Petra), likely cultivated such a reputation. The prophecy using תִּפְלֶצֶת directly confronts and undermines this cultural source of pride, declaring that God's judgment can shatter even the most terrifying earthly fortifications and reputations. אֵימָה (eymah, H367) — a more general term for terror or dread, often used of the fear inspired by God. פַּחַד (pachad, H6343) — fear or dread, can refer to sudden terror or an object of fear. מוֹרָא (mora, H4172) — fear, often with a nuance of reverence or awe, especially toward God.

Word Details