from זָעַם; strictly froth at the mouth, i.e. (figuratively) fury (especially of God's displeasure with sin); angry, indignation, rage.
Transliteration:zaʻam
Pronunciation:zah'-am
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun zaʻam (`{{H2195}}`) derives from the verb zaʻam (`{{H2194}}`), meaning "to be indignant," "to denounce," or "to curse." Its base definition, "froth at the mouth," vividly conveys a visceral, intense emotional state. Figuratively, zaʻam denotes a profound "fury," "indignation," or "rage." Crucially, in its biblical usage, this term is almost exclusively applied to the righteous displeasure of God, particularly His severe anger directed against sin, rebellion, and unrighteousness. It is a strong term, indicating a settled, consuming indignation rather than a fleeting emotion, often leading to decisive action or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term zaʻam appears approximately 22 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in prophetic and poetic literature, underscoring its role in describing divine judgment. Its most common application is to the wrath of Yahweh.
In the prophetic books, zaʻam frequently describes God's indignation against nations or His own people due to their sin:
* [[Isaiah 10:5]] and [[Isaiah 10:25]] speak of God using Assyria as the "rod of His anger" and how His zaʻam will soon cease. This illustrates the temporal and purposeful nature of divine wrath.
* [[Isaiah 26:20]] calls for God's people to hide themselves "for a little moment, until the indignation is past," implying a period of divine judgment that will eventually subside.
* [[Jeremiah 10:10]] declares that "the nations are not able to endure His indignation." This highlights the overwhelming and irresistible nature of God's wrath.
* [[Micah 7:9]] expresses a penitent Israel's willingness to "bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him." Here, zaʻam is recognized as a just consequence of sin.
* [[Nahum 1:6]] asks, "Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the terrifying power of God's wrath.
* [[Daniel 8:19]] and [[Daniel 11:36]] refer to the "appointed time of indignation" and how a king will prosper "until the indignation is accomplished," indicating a divinely ordained period of judgment.
In the Psalms, zaʻam often expresses the Psalmist's experience of God's displeasure or calls upon God to pour out His wrath on enemies:
* [[Psalm 38:3]] laments, "There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation." This verse connects divine zaʻam to physical suffering, a consequence of sin.
* [[Psalm 69:24]] is an imprecation: "Pour out Your indignation upon them, and let Your fierce anger overtake them."
* [[Psalm 78:49]] describes God sending "fiery indignation, wrath, and trouble" upon the Egyptians, demonstrating zaʻam as an instrument of divine retribution.
The consistent usage across these texts establishes zaʻam as a powerful descriptor of God's righteous, often punitive, anger.
### Related Words & Concepts
Zaʻam (`{{H2195}}`) is part of a cluster of Hebrew terms describing divine wrath, each with nuanced shades of meaning:
* aph (`{{H639}}`): Literally "nose," often used for a sudden, passionate outburst of anger.
* chemah (`{{H2534}}`): "Heat" or "burning anger," often intense and consuming.
* evrah (`{{H5678}}`): "Overflowing wrath," often implying a breaking forth or outpouring.
* qetsaph (`{{H7110}}`): "Rage" or "indignation," similar in intensity to zaʻam.
While these terms overlap, zaʻam often carries a sense of settled, purposeful indignation, frequently tied to a specific period of judgment or a divine decree.
Theological concepts related to zaʻam include:
* **Divine Justice:** Zaʻam is a manifestation of God's perfect justice, His necessary response to sin that violates His holy character and covenant.
* **Covenant Curses:** The indignation of God is often the fulfillment of covenant warnings against disobedience.
* **Judgment and Punishment:** Zaʻam is frequently the force behind divine acts of judgment, whether against individuals, nations, or the entire creation.
* **Holiness:** God's zaʻam underscores His absolute holiness, as His indignation is a reaction to anything that defiles or opposes His pure nature.
Conversely, zaʻam stands in stark contrast to God's attributes of mercy (hesed `{{H2617}}`), patience ('erekh 'appayim), and steadfast love, which are often highlighted alongside His wrath, demonstrating the complexity and balance of His character.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of zaʻam is profound, revealing crucial aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
Firstly, zaʻam underscores the *absolute holiness and justice of God*. It is not a capricious or uncontrolled rage, but a righteous, measured response to sin. God's indignation demonstrates that He is not indifferent to evil; His very nature compels Him to oppose unrighteousness. This is a comforting truth for those who suffer injustice, knowing that God will ultimately act in judgment.
Secondly, zaʻam highlights the *gravity and consequences of sin*. When the Bible speaks of God's zaʻam, it emphasizes that sin is not a trivial matter but an affront to a holy God, carrying severe and often destructive consequences. This serves as a powerful deterrent and a call to repentance.
Thirdly, zaʻam often functions within a *prophetic framework of judgment and restoration*. While it signifies a period of intense divine displeasure and often devastation, the biblical narrative frequently presents zaʻam as having a duration or a specific purpose, after which God's mercy can prevail. Phrases like "until the indignation is past" ([[Isaiah 26:20]]) or "until the indignation is accomplished" ([[Daniel 11:36]]) suggest that God's wrath, while fearsome, is not His final word. It is a means to an end – often to purify, to humble, or to bring about a new phase of His redemptive plan. This offers hope that even in the midst of divine judgment, there is a prospect of restoration for those who turn to Him.
Finally, the concept of divine zaʻam implicitly points to the need for *atonement and reconciliation*. If God's indignation is justly directed at sin, then a means must be provided to avert or absorb that wrath. In the broader biblical narrative, this finds its ultimate expression in the atoning work of Christ, who bore the full weight of divine wrath on behalf of humanity, making reconciliation possible.
### Summary
Zaʻam (`{{H2195}}`) is a potent Hebrew term primarily denoting the intense, righteous indignation and fury of God. Derived from a verb meaning "to denounce," its core meaning evokes a visceral "froth at the mouth," signifying a profound and settled displeasure. Biblically, zaʻam is almost exclusively attributed to Yahweh, revealing His holy opposition to sin and unrighteousness. Occurring frequently in prophetic and poetic literature, it describes periods of divine judgment and the severe consequences of rebellion, emphasizing God's unyielding justice. While a terrifying manifestation of divine power, zaʻam is often presented as having a specific purpose and duration, hinting at the eventual cessation of wrath and the possibility of restoration. It underscores the gravity of sin, the holiness of God, and ultimately points to the necessity of atonement to reconcile humanity with a just and holy Creator.
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