Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible Online

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Fear of Isaac פחד יצחק
(1,712 words)

I. Name

No definite interpretation can be given for the expression paḥad yiṣḥāq. It only occurs in Gen. 31.42, Gen. 53 (in the latter verse as paḥad ʾābîw yiṣḥāq). Paḥad yiṣḥāq was interpreted as a divine name by Alt (1929) because of its archaic impression (cf. ʾăbîr yaʿăqŏb) and because of its apparent resemblance to divine names of the “God of X” type. This designation was used for the god of Isaac, which Alt thought belonged to the category of the God of the Fathers.

II. Identity

The interpretation of the expression…

Cite this page
M. Köckert, “Fear of Isaac פחד יצחק”, in: Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible Online, Edited by: Karel van der Toorn, Bob Becking, Pieter W. van der Horst. Consulted online on 20 March 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2589-7802_DDDO_DDDO_Fearofisaac>



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