### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chârôwn**, represented by `{{H2740}}`, denotes a burning of anger. Derived from the root `{{H2734}}` **chârâh**, meaning "to glow or grow warm," it describes an intense state of "sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (and) wrath(-ful)." It appears 41 times in 40 unique verses, often characterizing the severe and just anger of God `{{H3068}}` in response to sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2740}}` is frequently used to describe the **fierce** anger of the LORD `{{H3068}}` ([[Zephaniah 2:2]], [[Jeremiah 12:13]]). This wrath is a direct consequence of disobedience and provocation. In response to the golden calf, Moses pleads with God to "Turn from thy **fierce** wrath" [[Exodus 32:12]]. Similarly, it is kindled by the sinfulness of later generations [[Numbers 32:14]]. However, this wrath can be averted. God’s people are called to obedience so that "the **fierceness** of his wrath may turn away" [[2 Chronicles 30:8]], and there is hope that through repentance, God will "turn away from his **fierce** anger, that we perish not" [[Jonah 3:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of divine anger:
* `{{H2734}}` **chârâh**: The root of `{{H2740}}`, meaning "to glow or grow warm." It is used when the LORD's anger is "kindled" against his people [[Isaiah 5:25]] and describes those who are "incensed" against him [[Isaiah 41:11]].
* `{{H639}}` **'aph**: Often paired with `{{H2740}}`, this word for "anger" or "wrath" comes from the word for "nose" or "nostril," evoking the image of rapid breathing in passion. God is described as "longsuffering" (slow to `{{H639}}`) [[Exodus 34:6]].
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh**: Meaning "heat" or "fury," this term also carries the idea of a feverish anger. The LORD's `{{H2534}}` can "go out like fire" because of evil doings [[Jeremiah 21:12]], yet a soft answer can turn it away [[Proverbs 15:1]].
* `{{H5678}}` **ʻebrâh**: This word denotes "an outburst of passion." It is used to describe the "day of the LORD'S wrath" [[Zephaniah 1:18]] and appears alongside `{{H2740}}` to depict the overwhelming nature of God's judgment [[Isaiah 13:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2740}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's character and his dealings with humanity.
* **Righteous Judgment:** The "fierce anger" of `{{H2740}}` is a judicial response to sin, idolatry, and rebellion. The LORD’s wrath is not turned from Judah "because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal" [[2 Kings 23:26]]. It is the consequence when people "have offended against the LORD" [[2 Chronicles 28:13]].
* **Consuming Power:** This wrath is portrayed as a devastating and consuming force. It consumes God's enemies "as stubble" [[Exodus 15:7]], causes the land to become "desolate" [[Jeremiah 25:38]], and is poured out like fire [[Lamentations 4:11]].
* **Aversion through Repentance:** Scripture repeatedly shows that God's "fierce wrath" can be turned away. When Israel dealt with the "cursed thing," the LORD "turned from the fierceness of his anger" [[Joshua 7:26]]. Making a covenant [[2 Chronicles 29:10]] and heeding God's commands [[Deuteronomy 13:17]] are presented as ways to avert this judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2740}}` **chârôwn** is more than a simple term for anger. It describes a "burning" and "fierce" wrath that is a foundational element of biblical justice. It represents God's holy and righteous response to sin, possessing a power that can desolate lands and destroy sinners [[Isaiah 13:9]]. Yet, the possibility of this wrath being turned away through repentance and obedience reveals a divine character that offers mercy alongside judgment, underscoring the gravity of sin and the path to restoration.
TRV