from חָרָה; a burning (i.e. intense) anger; fierce, [idiom] great, heat.
Transliteration:chŏrîy
Pronunciation:khor-ee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֳרִי (chŏrîy, `{{H2750}}`) derives directly from the verb חָרָה (charah, `{{H2734}}`), which signifies "to burn," "to be kindled," or "to be hot." Consequently, chŏrîy carries the core meaning of an intense, burning quality. Its primary semantic range centers on "fierce anger" or "burning wrath," emphasizing the fervent and often consuming nature of this emotion. While the base definition notes an idiomatic sense of "great heat," its predominant usage in the biblical text refers to the heat of passion, specifically intense displeasure. It describes an anger that is not merely present but is profoundly felt and expressed, akin to a consuming fire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chŏrîy appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, most frequently in connection with divine wrath. When applied to God, it underscores the intensity of His righteous indignation against sin and disobedience. For instance, in [[Exodus 32:12]], Moses pleads with the Lord to "turn from Your fierce anger" (חֳרִי אַפֶּךָ) after the incident of the golden calf, highlighting the destructive potential of God's displeasure. Similarly, [[Numbers 25:4]] speaks of the Lord's chŏrîy being kindled against Israel due to their idolatry, leading to a plague. In [[Deuteronomy 13:17]], the turning away of God's chŏrîy is contingent upon Israel's obedience. This usage consistently portrays God's anger as a just, powerful, and consequential response to covenant infidelity.
When chŏrîy describes human anger, it often denotes a passionate, sometimes uncontrolled, outburst. For example, [[Judges 14:19]] describes Samson's chŏrîy being kindled after his wife was given to his companion, leading to destructive actions. [[1 Samuel 20:34]] recounts Jonathan's chŏrîy burning fiercely because his father, Saul, had humiliated him, revealing deep emotional distress. In these human contexts, chŏrîy can signify a righteous indignation, but it can also portray a dangerous, unbridled fury that leads to sin or suffering. The intensity of chŏrîy in both divine and human contexts consistently points to a profound and often volatile emotional state.
### Related Words & Concepts
Chŏrîy is closely related to its verbal root, חָרָה (charah, `{{H2734}}`), which often functions as "to be angry" or "to be hot." Other significant Hebrew terms for anger or wrath frequently appear alongside or in parallel with chŏrîy, highlighting different facets of this emotion. These include:
* אַף ('aph, `{{H639}}`): Literally "nose" or "nostril," but idiomatically "anger," often referring to the flaring of nostrils in rage. It is frequently combined with chŏrîy as "fierce anger" (e.g., [[Exodus 32:12]]).
* חֵמָה (chemah, `{{H2534}}`): "Heat," "wrath," "fury." This term is very similar in meaning to chŏrîy, often used interchangeably to describe intense divine or human anger.
* עֶבְרָה ('evrah, `{{H5678}}`): "Overflowing," "outburst," "wrath," "fury," often implying an overwhelming surge of anger.
* קֶצֶף (qetseph, `{{H7110}}`): "Wrath," "indignation," "fury," often associated with divine judgment.
The conceptual landscape surrounding chŏrîy thus includes divine judgment, human sin, covenant faithfulness, and the need for repentance and reconciliation to avert or mitigate intense wrath.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chŏrîy is profound, particularly in its application to God. Divine chŏrîy is not capricious or uncontrolled; rather, it is a manifestation of God's holiness and justice, His righteous response to sin and rebellion against His covenant. It underscores the gravity of sin and the seriousness with which God views disobedience. The presence of God's chŏrîy serves as a powerful deterrent and a call to repentance, emphasizing that sin has real, severe consequences.
However, the biblical narrative also frequently portrays God's willingness to turn away His chŏrîy in response to intercession and repentance (e.g., [[Exodus 32]], [[Numbers 25]]). This demonstrates God's mercy and His desire for reconciliation, even in the face of His just anger. The turning away of God's chŏrîy is a critical element in the concept of salvation and restoration for Israel.
When applied to humans, chŏrîy often serves as a cautionary example. While righteous indignation can exist, human chŏrîy is frequently depicted as leading to destructive actions, highlighting the destructive potential of uncontrolled passion and the need for self-control and wisdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֳרִי (chŏrîy, `{{H2750}}`) denotes an intense, burning anger or fierce wrath, derived from the concept of being hot or kindled. It is used to describe both God's righteous indignation against sin and human anger, which can be either justified or destructive. In divine contexts, chŏrîy emphasizes God's holiness, justice, and the serious consequences of covenant disobedience, yet it is often tempered by His mercy in response to repentance. In human contexts, it highlights the powerful and often dangerous nature of intense emotion. Understanding chŏrîy provides insight into the biblical understanding of divine character, the gravity of sin, and the dynamics of human response to both God and fellow humanity.
TRV