Lexical Summary ayom: Terrible, dreadful, fearsome Original Word: אָיֹם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance terrible From an unused root (meaning to frighten); frightful -- terrible. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition terrible, dreadful NASB Translation awesome (2), dreaded (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אָיֹם adjective terrible, dreadful — terrible, of Chaldeans אָיֹם וְנוֺרָא הוּא Habakkuk 1:7; of dignified woman, awe-inspiring אֲיֻמָּה כַּנִּדְגָלוֺת Songs 6:4,10. Topical Lexicon Semantic RangeThe word depicts overwhelming awe that can inspire wonder or dread. Its nuance stretches from the ravishing majesty that captivates lovers (Song of Songs) to the spine-chilling terror evoked by invading armies (Habakkuk). In every setting it signals an encounter with a force so weighty that the human heart instinctively trembles. Occurrences and Contexts Song of Songs 6:4 and 6:10 present the bride as “awesome as an army with banners.” The martial imagery does not portray hostility but highlights commanding splendor: her beauty rallies attention the way a bannered host commands a battlefield. Habakkuk 1:7 uses the same term of the Babylonian horde: “They are dreaded and feared; their justice and sovereignty proceed from themselves.” Here the fearsome quality is morally dark, a tool of divine discipline upon Judah. Thematic Significance 1. Holy Awe versus Sinful Terror The word’s dual usage illustrates that awe is morally qualified by its object. When directed toward covenant love, awe ennobles; when arising from human tyranny, it terrifies. Scripture thereby distinguishes between reverent fear that leads to worship (Proverbs 1:7) and craven fear that exposes the futility of self-reliance (Habakkuk 2:4). 2. Love That Commands Respect In Song of Songs the lover’s admiration is not sentimental but reverent. True intimacy with God likewise retains profound respect; adoration never trivializes the Beloved. 3. Judgment as a Catalyst for Revival Habakkuk’s lament acknowledges the Chaldeans’ dreadfulness, yet the prophet ultimately prays, “In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2). The fear provoked by judgment is designed to drive God’s people back to faith and obedience. Prophetic and Eschatological Resonance Habakkuk’s vision foreshadows end-time judgments where the nations again experience “terrible” days (Joel 2:11; Revelation 6:17). The term therefore invites reflection on the Day of the Lord when all rebellious power will appear fearsome—yet only temporarily, for Christ’s return will outshine every terror. Christological Connections Jesus embodies both aspects of awe. His transfiguration left disciples “greatly afraid,” yet His self-giving love on the cross draws believers with irresistible beauty (John 12:32). The lion-like and lamb-like glory of Christ fulfills the tension contained in this Hebrew term. Ministry Applications • Worship: Encourage believers to cultivate reverent wonder, balancing joyous intimacy with profound respect (Hebrews 12:28-29). Hymnic and Liturgical Use Texts based on Song of Songs 6 invite the church to sing of Christ’s captivating glory, while passages like Habakkuk 3 supply solemn confession and intercession. Together they lead congregations from trembling before divine majesty to resting in divine mercy, fulfilling the full span of אָיֹם’s meaning. Forms and Transliterations אֲיֻמָּ֖ה אָיֹ֥ם אים אימה ’ā·yōm ’ă·yum·māh ’āyōm ’ăyummāh aYom ayumMahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 6:4 HEB: נָאוָ֖ה כִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם אֲיֻמָּ֖ה כַּנִּדְגָּלֽוֹת׃ NAS: as Jerusalem, As awesome as an army with banners. KJV: as Jerusalem, terrible as [an army] with banners. INT: lovely Jerusalem awesome an army Songs 6:10 Habakkuk 1:7 3 Occurrences |
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