cha.she.khah denotes darkness, whether surrounding the land or night, or describing a condition of lacking light and understanding.

The noun most often occurs for darkness surrounding a scene, including terror falling on Abram, gloom over the land, and night set beside day. It also appears in clauses where people walk without light or understanding.

1. Darkness surrounding a scene · dominant

   The singular absolute form occurs in descriptions of an enveloping condition: in Genesis 15:12 the APB renders “a great terror of darkness” falling upon Abram; in Isaiah 8:22 it places darkness with distress, gloom, and anguish over the land. In Psalm 139:12 the APB renders darkness in contrast to night, day, and light.

   Genesis 15:12Isaiah 8:22Psalm 139:12
2. A condition of no light or understanding · common

   In Isaiah 50:10 the plural absolute form occurs in the clause the APB renders “walks in darkness and has no light.” In Psalm 82:5 the singular form appears where those who do not know or understand are rendered as walking in darkness.

   Isaiah 50:10Psalm 82:5

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB consistently uses “darkness” in these verses, including phrases such as “terror of darkness” and “walks in darkness.” Its repeated English wording confirms the verses' overall presentation rather than isolating every contribution of the noun.