Short Answer
Overview
The adjective “terrible” in most modern English translations of the Bible does not always denote something evil or bad. It frequently translates Hebrew words such as nōra (נורא) and Greek terms like phoberos (φοβερός), which more accurately convey a sense of awe, majesty, or fear‑inducing greatness. Consequently, passages that describe God, a prophetic vision, or a divine judgment as “terrible” are often emphasizing the overwhelming power and holiness of the subject rather than moral depravity.
History / Background
The Hebrew nōra appears over 200 times in the Masoretic Text, ranging from “the terrible God of Israel” (Deuteronomy 10:17) to “a terrifying sight” (Isaiah 13:5). In the Septuagint, the Greek translators rendered it with phoberos or teras, both carrying connotations of fear and awe. Early English translations, notably the King James Version (1611), rendered the term as “terrible,” reflecting the 17th‑century meaning of “inspiring terror or awe.” Modern scholarship recognizes that the original sense was broader, encompassing both positive reverence and negative dread.
Importance and Impact
Understanding the nuanced meaning of “terrible” affects theological interpretation, liturgical language, and biblical exegesis. It shapes doctrines of the fear of God, informs worship practices that balance reverence with love, and influences how believers perceive divine judgment versus divine majesty. Misreading “terrible” as merely “evil” can lead to distorted doctrines of God’s character.
Why It Matters
For contemporary readers, grasping the original sense of “terrible” helps avoid misinterpretation of key passages, such as Psalm 96:10 (“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and the **things** in it be *terrible*”). It also enriches personal devotion by highlighting the appropriate response of awe and reverence toward the divine.
Common Misconceptions
“Terrible” always means morally bad or wicked.
In biblical contexts it often denotes awe‑inspiring greatness, not necessarily evil.
The word’s meaning has remained static through history.
Its semantic range has shifted; early translators used “terrible” for both fear‑inducing and reverential senses.
FAQ
Does “terrible” always refer to something negative in the Bible?
No. While it can describe harmful events, many instances use the word to express reverential awe toward God or divine phenomena.
How did the meaning of “terrible” evolve in English translations?
In early modern English, “terrible” meant “causing terror or awe.” Over time the word narrowed to a primarily negative sense, leading to modern misunderstandings of biblical passages.
What are the primary Hebrew and Greek words translated as “terrible”?
The Hebrew nōra and the Greek phoberos are the main terms, both carrying connotations of awe, majesty, and fearsome power.
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