(Aramaic) or חֲמָה; (Aramaic), corresponding to חֵמָה; anger; fury.
Transliteration:chĕmâʼ
Pronunciation:khem-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H2528}}` (חֱמָא, *chĕmâʼ*) or (חֲמָה, *chĕmâ*) serves as the Aramaic counterpart to the more frequently occurring Hebrew word `{{H2534}}` (חֵמָה, *chēmâ*). Its core meaning denotes intense emotional heat, specifically "anger" or "fury." The semantic range of `{{H2528}}` is primarily focused on this powerful, often destructive, emotional state. It signifies a passionate, sometimes uncontrolled, wrath that can manifest in both human and divine contexts. Unlike a fleeting irritation, `{{H2528}}` points to a deep-seated and potent indignation, capable of driving significant action or reaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurring exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, `{{H2528}}` provides vivid insight into the nature of wrath.
* **Daniel 3:13, 3:19**: Here, `{{H2528}}` describes King Nebuchadnezzar's furious reaction to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to worship the golden image. In [[Daniel 3:13]], the king is said to be "in rage and fury" (*bichĕmâʼ*). This chĕmâʼ escalates dramatically in [[Daniel 3:19]], where his "face was contorted with fury" (*chĕmâʼ*). This human fury is portrayed as arbitrary, dangerous, and leading to immediate, violent action (heating the furnace seven times hotter). It underscores the perilous nature of unbridled human power fueled by unrighteous anger.
* **Daniel 11:44**: In a prophetic context, this verse speaks of the "king of the North" coming forth "with great fury" (*bichĕmâʼ rabba*) to destroy and utterly sweep away many. This occurrence highlights a military or political power driven by an intense, destructive rage, indicative of the severe conflicts and persecutions that would arise in the latter days. It depicts a malevolent force operating with overwhelming, hostile intent.
* **Ezra 7:23**: This is a crucial instance, as `{{H2528}}` is attributed to God: "whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with diligence for the house of the God of heaven, lest wrath (*chĕmâʼ*) come upon the realm of the king and his sons." Here, chĕmâʼ refers to the righteous wrath of God. Unlike the capricious rage of human rulers, divine wrath is presented as a just and holy indignation against disobedience and sin. It is not an uncontrolled outburst but a purposeful and deserved consequence, serving to uphold God's covenant and law.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is its Hebrew equivalent, `{{H2534}}` (חֵמָה, *chēmâ*), which also signifies "heat," "wrath," or "fury." While `{{H2534}}` has a broader semantic range that can include "poison" or "burning heat," its core meaning of "anger" directly corresponds to `{{H2528}}`.
Other Hebrew words related to anger and wrath include:
* `{{H639}}` (אַף, *'aph*), literally "nose" or "nostril," but idiomatically "anger" due to the flaring of nostrils in anger.
* `{{H2734}}` (חָרוֹן, *charon*), meaning "burning anger" or "fierce anger," often used in conjunction with `{{H639}}` to describe the intensity of God's wrath.
Conceptually, `{{H2528}}` engages with the distinction between *divine wrath* and *human wrath*. It also touches upon the *consequences of anger*, whether it be the destructive acts of a tyrannical king or the just judgment of God. Furthermore, it prompts reflection on *righteous indignation* versus *sinful rage*, a critical theological distinction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2528}}` lies in its dual application to both divine and human agents, allowing for a profound contrast.
When chĕmâʼ is attributed to God in [[Ezra 7:23]], it underscores His absolute holiness and justice. God's wrath is not an uncontrolled passion but a righteous, measured, and purposeful response to sin and rebellion. It is an expression of His commitment to His covenant and His moral order, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished. This divine chĕmâʼ serves as a powerful deterrent and a demonstration of His sovereignty and unwavering righteousness.
Conversely, the use of chĕmâʼ to describe human anger, particularly that of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel, highlights the destructive potential of unbridled human wrath. This human fury is often rooted in pride, idolatry, and opposition to God's will and His people. It is portrayed as chaotic, unjust, and leading to violence and oppression. This contrast between divine and human chĕmâʼ is crucial: God's wrath is always righteous and ultimately redemptive in its purpose, whereas human wrath is frequently sinful, self-serving, and leads to further sin and suffering. The prophetic use in [[Daniel 11:44]] further illustrates how human chĕmâʼ can be a tool of malevolent forces, signifying intense opposition to God's plans in eschatological contexts.
### Summary
`{{H2528}}` (חֱמָא, *chĕmâʼ*) is an Aramaic term signifying intense "anger" or "fury," directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H2534}}`. Its occurrences in Daniel and Ezra illuminate two distinct manifestations of this emotion: the unrighteous, destructive rage of human rulers (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar's fury in [[Daniel 3:13]], [[Daniel 3:19]], and the prophetic "king of the North" in [[Daniel 11:44]]), and the holy, just wrath of God (e.g., [[Ezra 7:23]]). The theological distinction between these forms of chĕmâʼ is paramount: human anger is often chaotic and rooted in sin, leading to violence and injustice, while divine wrath is a righteous, purposeful expression of God's holiness and justice against sin. Thus, `{{H2528}}` serves as a powerful reminder of both the fallen nature of humanity and the unwavering, righteous character of God.
TRV