### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zalʻâphâh**, represented by `{{H2152}}`, describes a consuming and intense force. Its base definition is a glow of wind or anger, or a famine, and is translated as **horrible, horror, or terrible**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, each instance highlighting a different aspect of its severe nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H2152}}` is used to convey concepts of divine judgment, physical affliction, and emotional distress. In the context of God's wrath, it is described as an "horrible **tempest**" that will rain down upon the wicked, alongside fire and brimstone [[Psalms 11:6]]. It is also used to depict extreme suffering, where a "terrible **famine**" causes the people's skin to become "black like an oven" [[Lamentations 5:10]]. Finally, it expresses a profound emotional reaction to sin, where the psalmist states, "**Horror** hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law" [[Psalms 119:53]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H2152}}` is found:
* `{{H7563}}` **râshâʻ** (wicked): This term describes a morally wrong or ungodly person. It appears in two of the three verses featuring `{{H2152}}`, identifying the target of divine judgment [[Psalms 11:6]] and the cause of righteous horror [[Psalms 119:53]].
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (wind; by resemblance breath... spirit... tempest): This word is directly paired with `{{H2152}}` to form the phrase "horrible **tempest**" [[Psalms 11:6]], signifying a violent and destructive wind as an instrument of judgment.
* `{{H7458}}` **râʻâb** (famine): This word for hunger or dearth is explicitly qualified by `{{H2152}}` in [[Lamentations 5:10]] as a "terrible **famine**," emphasizing the severity of the affliction.
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): Often associated with judgment and purification, fire is listed alongside the "horrible tempest" as part of the punishment for the wicked [[Psalms 11:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2152}}` is significant in understanding the biblical concept of consequences.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The term is an element of God's retributive justice against the wicked. The "horrible tempest" is not a natural disaster but a supernaturally appointed punishment, combined with snares, fire, and brimstone [[Psalms 11:6]].
* **Physical Manifestation of Calamity:** `{{H2152}}` is tied to the dire physical suffering of a "terrible famine," which serves as a devastating consequence in the biblical narrative [[Lamentations 5:10]].
* **Righteous Anguish over Sin:** The word captures the appropriate emotional response of the godly to lawlessness. The "horror" experienced is a visceral reaction to seeing God's law forsaken by the wicked [[Psalms 119:53]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2152}}` is a powerful and specific term that conveys more than simple fear or difficulty. It encapsulates the extremities of divine wrath, physical deprivation, and righteous horror in the face of evil. Though used sparingly, its presence in scripture points to the terrifying and consuming nature of judgment and the severe consequences of turning away from God's law.
TRV