### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zaʻaph**, represented by `{{H2197}}`, means **anger, indignation, rage, or wrath**. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, making each usage significant. It describes a potent and intense form of anger, whether expressed by God, humans, or even the forces of nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2197}}` is applied in several distinct contexts. It describes the righteous **indignation** of the Lord, which is displayed with powerful signs like devouring fire and tempest [[Isaiah 30:30]]. It is also the term used for the divine punishment a sinner must bear while awaiting God's judgment and righteousness [[Micah 7:9]]. The term is not limited to God; it depicts the dangerous **wrath** of a king, which is compared to the roaring of a lion [[Proverbs 19:12]]. It can also describe the misplaced **rage** of a ruler, such as when King Asa imprisoned a prophet [[2 Chronicles 16:10]]. In a unique metaphorical sense, it is used to describe the **raging** of the sea, which ceased only when Jonah was cast into it [[Jonah 1:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature and context of this intense anger:
* `{{H2230}}` **zerem** (a gush of water; flood, overflowing, shower, storm, tempest): This word appears alongside `{{H2197}}` to describe the natural force accompanying God's indignation [[Isaiah 30:30]].
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh** (heat; figuratively, anger, poison): This term for being "wroth" is used to describe God's anger that preceded the human "rage" `{{H2197}}` of the people against Judah [[2 Chronicles 28:9]].
* `{{H3707}}` **kaʻaç** (to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant): This word describes King Asa being "wroth," which then manifested as the "rage" `{{H2197}}` that led him to imprison the seer [[2 Chronicles 16:10]].
* `{{H5099}}` **naham** (a snarl; roaring): The king's wrath `{{H2197}}` is directly compared to the "roaring" of a lion, emphasizing its terrifying nature [[Proverbs 19:12]].
* `{{H639}}` **ʼaph** (ire; anger): This word for anger is used in parallel with `{{H2197}}` to describe the multifaceted nature of God's indignation [[Isaiah 30:30]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): The Lord’s indignation `{{H2197}}` is shown with the flame of a devouring "fire," linking this wrath to an all-consuming power [[Isaiah 30:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2197}}` is evident in its applications:
* **Divine Judgment:** The word characterizes God's righteous and powerful response to sin. It is not an uncontrolled emotion but a deliberate display of judgment, seen in the Lord's "indignation" against his enemies [[Isaiah 30:30]] and the discipline the faithful must endure [[Micah 7:9]].
* **Peril of Human Wrath:** The term highlights the danger of human anger, especially from those in authority. A king's "wrath" is a fearsome thing [[Proverbs 19:12]], and it can lead to grave sin, such as the persecution of God's prophets [[2 Chronicles 16:10]].
* **Cosmic Disorder:** By describing the sea's "raging" [[Jonah 1:15]], the word extends beyond emotion to encompass chaos in the natural world. This suggests that such turmoil is an affront to divine order, which must be pacified.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2197}}` is a specific and powerful term for indignation and rage. Though used infrequently, it effectively conveys the awesome power of God's judgment, the dangerous nature of human wrath, and the violent chaos found within the natural world. It illustrates a form of anger that is both formidable and consequential, whether divine or human in origin.
TRV