### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zâʻaph**, represented by `{{H2196}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to boil up**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Figuratively, it describes being peevish or angry and is translated as fret, sad, worse liking, or be wroth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2196}}` is used to express negative emotional states. It can describe an internal reaction, where a man’s heart **fretteth** against the LORD as a result of his own foolishness [[Proverbs 19:3]]. It also depicts an outward appearance of gloom, as when Joseph saw that the prisoners were **sad** [[Genesis 40:6]], or when the prince of the eunuchs feared Daniel's face would appear **worse liking** to the king [[Daniel 1:10]]. The word culminates in active anger, such as when King Uzziah was **wroth** with the priests while in the house of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 26:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of `{{H2196}}`:
* `{{H200}}` **ʼivveleth** (silliness; folly, foolishly(-ness)): This is presented as the root cause of the internal turmoil described by **zâʻaph**. A man's own foolishness `{{H200}}` leads to his heart fretting [[Proverbs 19:3]].
* `{{H5557}}` **çâlaph** (to subvert; overthrow, pervert): This word describes the action that precipitates the state of **zâʻaph** in [[Proverbs 19:3]], where foolishness **perverteth** a man's way.
* `{{H2224}}` **zârach** (to rise): In [[2 Chronicles 26:19]], this word is directly linked to the consequence of Uzziah's wrath `{{H2196}}`, as leprosy **rose up** in his forehead while he was wroth.
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh** (to see, literally or figuratively): This word highlights the visible nature of the emotion. Joseph **looked** upon the prisoners and saw they were sad [[Genesis 40:6]], and the prince feared the king would **see** the faces of Daniel and his companions as worse liking [[Daniel 1:10]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H2196}}` carries significant theological implications regarding human emotion and its consequences.
* **Misdirected Anger:** [[Proverbs 19:3]] illustrates a core human failing where one's own **foolishness** `{{H200}}` **perverteth** `{{H5557}}` his way, yet his **heart** `{{H3820}}` then **fretteth** `{{H2196}}` against the LORD, blaming God for self-inflicted trouble.
* **Divine Judgment on Wrath:** King Uzziah's story provides a stark warning. His anger (**wroth**) was directed at the priests in the house of the LORD, an act of defiance against holy order. The immediate result was leprosy that **rose up** `{{H2224}}` on his forehead, a direct consequence of his sacrilegious wrath [[2 Chronicles 26:19]].
* **An External Sign:** The term often denotes an emotion so strong it becomes physically visible. Joseph **looked** `{{H7200}}` upon the men and knew they were **sad** [[Genesis 40:6]], and the prince of the eunuchs was concerned that the king would **see** `{{H7200}}` their faces as **worse liking** [[Daniel 1:10]], indicating an outward manifestation of an inner state.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2196}}` **zâʻaph** is not a simple term for anger but describes a spectrum of negative "boiling up" emotions. It captures everything from the outward appearance of sadness to the internal fretting born of foolishness and the defiant wrath that invites divine judgment. The word demonstrates how scripture links internal emotional states to their causes, their outward visibility, and their ultimate spiritual consequences.
TRV