or (shortened) חָרֹן; from חָרָה; a burning of anger; sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (fierce) wrath(-ful).
Transliteration:chârôwn
Pronunciation:khaw-rone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָרוֹן (chârôwn, `{{H2740}}`) is derived directly from the verbal root חָרָה (chârah, `{{H2734}}`), which signifies "to burn," "to be kindled," or "to be hot." Consequently, the core meaning of חָרוֹן is "a burning of anger." This is not a mild displeasure but an intense, often fierce, and consuming wrath. Its semantic range extends to "sore displeasure," "fury," "fierceness," and "wrathful," emphasizing the profound and sometimes destructive nature of this emotion. While it can describe human anger, its most significant theological applications pertain to the righteous indignation of God. The term conveys the idea of anger that has reached a boiling point, ready to erupt or manifest in action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חָרוֹן in the Hebrew Bible predominantly describe the divine wrath of Yahweh, often in response to severe human transgression, particularly idolatry and rebellion against His covenant.
In the Pentateuch, it frequently appears in the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings. For instance, after the golden calf incident, God declares His intention to destroy the people, stating, "My fierce wrath will burn against them and consume them" ([[Exodus 32:10]]). Here, Moses' intercession is crucial in averting this *chârôwn*. Similarly, in [[Numbers 11:1]], the Lord's *chârôwn* is kindled against the people for their complaining, resulting in a consuming fire.
Deuteronomy frequently warns of the consequences of disobedience, where God's *chârôwn* is a key element of the curses. [[Deuteronomy 29:28]] speaks of God uprooting the people "in anger and in fury and in great indignation," with *chârôwn* representing the "fury."
In the Psalms and Prophetic books, *chârôwn* is consistently linked with divine judgment. [[Psalm 78:49]] describes God sending "burning anger, wrath, indignation, and trouble" upon the Egyptians. The prophets often use *chârôwn* to describe the impending judgment upon Israel or other nations due to their sin, as seen in [[Isaiah 13:9]] concerning the day of the Lord, or [[Jeremiah 12:13]] describing the fruit of God's fierce anger.
Significantly, the possibility of God relenting from His *chârôwn* is also presented, often through repentance or intercession, as exemplified in [[Jonah 3:9]], where the people of Nineveh humble themselves, hoping God "may turn from his fierce anger so that we may not perish."
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root חָרָה (chârah, `{{H2734}}`), meaning "to be hot" or "to be angry." This root emphasizes the internal burning sensation that precedes or accompanies wrath.
Other significant Hebrew terms for anger or wrath that often appear alongside or in parallel with חָרוֹן include:
* אַף (aph, `{{H639}}`): Literally "nose" or "nostril," referring to the snorting sound of anger. Often used in the phrase "slow to anger" (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, *erekh appayim*), contrasting with the intensity of *chârôwn*.
* חֵמָה (chemah, `{{H2534}}`): Also related to "heat" or "burning," signifying rage, fury, or hot displeasure. It is frequently used interchangeably or in conjunction with *chârôwn* to intensify the sense of divine wrath.
* קֶצֶף (qetsep, `{{H7110}}`): "Indignation," "rage," often referring to God's indignation or a breaking forth of His anger.
* כַּעַס (ka'as, `{{H3708}}`): "Provocation," "vexation," or "anger," often describing the human act that provokes God's wrath.
The concept of God's *chârôwn* is inextricably linked to divine attributes such as holiness, justice, and righteousness. It is a manifestation of His intolerance for sin and His commitment to covenant fidelity. Conversely, it highlights the human concepts of sin, rebellion, idolatry, and the necessity of repentance and intercession.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָרוֹן is profound, revealing crucial aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
Firstly, *chârôwn* underscores God's absolute holiness and His righteous indignation against sin. It is not a capricious or uncontrolled outburst, but a just and appropriate response to unrighteousness, particularly covenant infidelity and idolatry. This "burning anger" demonstrates that God is not indifferent to evil; His very nature demands a response to rebellion against His perfect will.
Secondly, it serves as a powerful deterrent and a call to repentance. The threat of God's *chârôwn* highlights the serious consequences of sin and aims to lead humanity back to obedience and a right relationship with Him. It is a pedagogical tool, illustrating the gravity of breaking divine commands and the covenant.
Thirdly, the narrative instances where God's *chârôwn* is averted through intercession (e.g., Moses) or genuine repentance (e.g., Nineveh) reveal God's mercy and His willingness to relent. While His anger is fierce, it is often tempered by His compassion and patience. This demonstrates that God's ultimate desire is not destruction but reconciliation, though His justice demands that sin be addressed.
Finally, *chârôwn* emphasizes the relational aspect of God's character. His anger is often directed towards His own people when they betray the covenant, indicating a deep sense of betrayal and disappointment from a loving, yet just, Father. It reminds believers of the seriousness of their commitment to God and the consequences of spiritual infidelity.
### Summary
חָרוֹן (chârôwn, `{{H2740}}`) denotes a fierce, burning anger or wrath, most prominently associated with the righteous indignation of God. Derived from the root "to burn," it signifies an intense displeasure that is a just response to human sin, especially rebellion, idolatry, and covenant breaking. Biblical occurrences consistently link *chârôwn* with divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience, serving as a powerful warning. While severe, this divine wrath is not arbitrary but purposeful, aiming to uphold God's holiness and justice, and to call humanity to repentance. Crucially, the Scriptures also reveal that God's *chârôwn* can be turned away through genuine repentance and intercession, highlighting His enduring mercy and patience alongside His unyielding righteousness. It is a solemn reminder of the seriousness of sin and the profound holiness of God.
TRV