תהלים, פרק נ״ה, פסוק ו׳

A paralyzing terror can take hold of a person, beginning as a quiet dread within the mind and rapidly expanding to consume the physical body. This profound state of anxiety represents a severe escalation from ordinary pain, growing into an overwhelming dread [מלבי״ם].

The experience is twofold, involving both an internal emotional reaction and a severe physical response. A deep, gripping fear takes root inside the heart, serving as the emotional core of the terror. From this internal dread springs a violent physical shaking [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. Together, these two elements create a devastating combination of profound fright and physical shock [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A unique perspective suggests that this terror stems from a harrowing dilemma, tearing the soul in two opposing directions during moments of mortal danger. The internal fear is driven by the agonizing thought that one might be forced to take another life, while the physical trembling arises from the sheer dread of being killed [אלשיך].

As the anxiety reaches its peak, it transforms into an intense, shuddering horror [מצודת ציון]. While some commentators view this simply as a reinforcement of the physical trembling [רד״ק, מאירי], others understand it as the absolute climax of the ordeal. It represents the ultimate, deep-seated shock that seizes a person facing the terror of death [מלבי״ם].

Ultimately, this anxiety completely overwhelms the individual. The sheer volume and power of the panic act as an all-encompassing force [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. The internal anguish bursts outward, causing the skin to crawl and a violent tremor to spread until it entirely covers and envelops the whole body [אלשיך].