Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Panic is an overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety that can cause irrational behavior and a loss of self-control. In the biblical context, panic is often associated with sudden terror or dread that can lead to chaos and confusion. It is a state of mind that can disrupt faith and trust in God.
Biblical Instances and References:The Bible provides several instances where panic is depicted, often as a result of divine intervention or judgment. In the Old Testament, panic is sometimes used by God as a tool to defeat Israel's enemies. For example, in
Exodus 23:27, God promises the Israelites, "I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run."
In
Judges 7:21-22, during Gideon's battle against the Midianites, God causes panic among the enemy troops: "Each man stood in his place around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled."
Panic is also seen in the New Testament, though often in a more personal and spiritual context. In
Matthew 14:30, Peter experiences panic when he walks on water towards Jesus: "But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'"
Theological Implications:Panic, as depicted in the Bible, often results from a lack of faith or trust in God. It is a human response to perceived danger or uncertainty, which can lead to a departure from reliance on divine providence. The Bible encourages believers to replace panic with peace through faith.
Philippians 4:6-7 advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Moral and Spiritual Lessons:The Bible teaches that panic can be overcome by trusting in God's sovereignty and presence.
Isaiah 41:10 reassures believers, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of calm and confidence in God's promises, even in the face of fear-inducing circumstances.
Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Practical Application:In moments of panic, Christians are encouraged to turn to prayer and Scripture, seeking God's guidance and peace. The practice of meditating on God's word and promises can help to alleviate fear and restore a sense of calm. Additionally, fellowship with other believers can provide support and encouragement during times of distress.
By focusing on God's faithfulness and power, believers can transform panic into an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on the Lord.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A plant of the genus Panicum; panic grass; also, the edible grain of some species of panic grass.
2. (a.) Extreme or sudden and causeless; unreasonable; -- said of fear or fright; as, panic fear, terror, alarm.
3. (n.) A sudden, overpowering fright; esp., a sudden and groundless fright; terror inspired by a trifling cause or a misapprehension of danger; as, the troops were seized with a panic; they fled in a panic.
4. (a.) By extension: A sudden widespread fright or apprehension concerning financial affairs.
Greek
1605. ekplesso -- to strike out, hence to strike withpanic, to...... to strike out, hence to strike with
panic, to amaze. Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ekplesso Phonetic Spelling: (ek-place'-so) Short Definition: I
...5401. phobos --panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror
...panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: phobos Phonetic Spelling: (fob'-os) Short Definition: fear...
2350. thorubeo -- to disturb
... of Speech: Verb Transliteration: thorubeo Phonetic Spelling: (thor-oo-beh'-o) Short
Definition: I disturb greatly, terrify, strike withpanic Definition: I...
4422. ptoeo -- to terrify
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ptoeo Phonetic Spelling: (pto-eh'-o) Short
Definition: I terrify, scare Definition: I terrify, scare, strike withpanic....
2351. thorubos -- an uproar
... figuratively) emotions spun "out of control," especially when accompanied by shrieks
(hysteria) or loud wailing; disturbance bringing onpanic (terror) with a...
Strong's Hebrew
7374. retet -- a trembling,panic... 7373b, 7374. retet. 7375 . a trembling,
panic. Transliteration: retet
Phonetic Spelling: (reh'-tet) Short Definition:
panic. Word
...4103. mehumah -- tumult, confusion, disquietude, discomfiture
... Word Origin from hum Definition tumult, confusion, disquietude, discomfiture NASB
Word Usage confusion (5), disturbances (1),panic (2), tumult (1), tumults (1...
928. behalah -- dismay, sudden terror or ruin
... terror, trouble. From bahal;panic, destruction -- terror, trouble. see HEBREW
bahal. 927, 928. behalah. 929 . Strong's Numbers.
6343. pachad -- dread
... dread NASB Word Usage awe (1), disaster (1), dread (20), fear (9), great (1), great
fear (1), great fear where fear (1), object of dread (1),panic (1), terror...
2648. chaphaz -- to be in trepidation, hurry or alarm
... to be in trepidation, hurry or alarm NASB Word Usage alarm (2), alarmed (1), fled
in alarm (1), haste (1), hurried away (1), hurry (1), hurrying (1),panic (1...
7461b. readah -- a trembling
... Word Origin fem. of raad Definition a trembling NASB Word Usagepanic (1), trembling
(3). 7461a, 7461b. readah. 7462 . Strong's Numbers.
4032. magor -- fear, terror
... Definition: terror. Word Origin from gur Definition fear, terror NASB Word Usage
panic (1), terror (6), terrors (1). fear, terror. Or (Lam. 2...
Library
The OctoberPanic.
... The Pressing Emergency The OctoberPanic. A... strings. It was a strangepanic.
You couldn't just tell what was responsible for it....
Valentinus, Ptolemy and Secundus, Heracleon.
... [8388] For he waspanic-stricken, he says, and terror-stricken, and overcome
with sadness; and of these passions he conceived and bare....
Concerning Fear.
... Book II. Chapter XV."Concerning Fear. Fear is divided into six varieties: viz.,
shrinking [1825] , shame, disgrace, consternation,panic, anxiety [1826] ....
Jonathan's Brave Deed
... Then there was a greatpanic in the camp, in the open field, and among
all the Philistines. Even those who were out robbing were...
Affecting Incident at Sea.
... There was nopanic, but the passengers, who had scrambled on deck at the first warning,
looked at each other in an appealing way that was, if anything, more...
A Strange Battle
... Jehoshaphat, the king, waspanic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that
was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom....
The Outbreak at Benares.
... On every side the hope was expressed that none would give way topanic. The men
at the head of affairs had the general confidence of the community....
Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence.
... past lives conducted under the eye of God, and with a recognition of His presence
and oversight, serves to deliver the mind from confusion andpanic, and to...
A Battle Without a Sword
... the rear?'. Gideon does not seem to have been divinely directed to the
stratagem by which the Midianites were thrown intopanic. He...
Introduction
... will soon be no more. Regarding the situation, all thoughtful men are
concerned and some arepanic stricken. The account given by...
Thesaurus
Panic (22 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A plant of the genus Panicum;
panic grass;
also, the edible grain of some species of
panic grass.
...Benhadad (24 Occurrences)
... against Israel 3. Alliance with Ahab 4. Biblical History Confirmed by the Monuments
5. Alliance Broken off 6. Benhadad and Elisha 7.Panic of Syrians at...
Faint (76 Occurrences)
... macac, primarily signifies "to melt" or "to become soft," and is used in prophetic
exhortations in which the people are encouraged not to bepanic-stricken in...
Pangs (26 Occurrences)
Arrest (22 Occurrences)
... There was something in the words or bearing of Jesus which awed the temple officers;
they werepanic-stricken, went backward, and fell to the ground....
Trial (45 Occurrences)
... There was something in the words or bearing of Jesus which awed the temple officers;
they werepanic-stricken, went backward, and fell to the ground....
Zalmun'na (8 Occurrences)
... Judges 8:12 And Zebah and Zalmun'na fled; and he pursued them and took the two kings
of Mid'ian, Zebah and Zalmun'na, and he threw all the army into apanic....
Gog (12 Occurrences)
... in Nature. Apanic shall seize the hosts of Gog, rain, hailstones, pestilence,
fire and brimstone shall consume them. Their bodies...
Immanuel (3 Occurrences)
... waged war against Judah, advancing as far as Jerusalem itself, but without complete
success (Isaiah 7:1). Ahaz, a weak king, and nowpanic-stricken, determined...
Rout (6 Occurrences)
... of being disorganized and thrown into confusion; -- said especially of an army defeated,
broken in pieces, and put to flight in disorder orpanic; also, the...
Resources
What does the Bible say about panic attacks? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian take anti-depressants or other mental health medicines? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.orgPanic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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