### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chŏrîy**, represented by `{{H2750}}`, describes a burning or intense anger. Derived from the root for "to glow or grow warm" `{{H2734}}`, it conveys a sense of heat and fierceness. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, and is translated as fierce, great, or heat, always modifying the word for anger.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2750}}` is used to describe the profound anger of both God and man. It characterizes the "fierce anger" of God that leads to judgment against Israel, where He "hath cut off... all the horn of Israel" [[Lamentations 2:3]] and the "heat of this great anger" that explains the desolation of the land [[Deuteronomy 29:24]]. The term also captures intense human emotion, such as Moses leaving Pharaoh in "a great anger" [[Exodus 11:8]] and Jonathan rising from his father's table in "fierce anger" over the shame done to David [[1 Samuel 20:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of burning anger:
* `{{H2734}}` **chârâh**: The root word from which **chŏrîy** is derived, it means "to glow or grow warm" and figuratively "to blaze up, of anger." It is used when the anger of the LORD is "kindled" against His people [[Isaiah 5:25]].
* `{{H639}}` **'aph**: Often translated as anger or wrath, this word is frequently paired with **chŏrîy** to form phrases like "fierce anger" [[1 Samuel 20:34]] or "great anger" [[Exodus 11:8]], with **chŏrîy** acting as an intensifier.
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar**: Meaning to "kindle" or "consume by fire," this word connects the figurative heat of **chŏrîy** to literal destruction. In God's anger, He "burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about" [[Lamentations 2:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2750}}` is significant, highlighting the nature of both divine and human wrath.
* **Divine Judgment:** The term expresses the intensity of God's response to sin and rebellion. The "heat of this great anger" from the LORD `{{H3068}}` is presented as a direct and devastating consequence of covenant disobedience [[Deuteronomy 29:24]].
* **Righteous Human Anger:** `{{H2750}}` is used to describe anger that stems from a righteous cause, such as Moses' response to Pharaoh's hard-heartedness [[Exodus 11:8]] or Jonathan's grief over the injustice shown to David [[1 Samuel 20:34]].
* **Contemptible Fury:** In a prophetic context, the "fierce anger" of human kings like Rezin `{{H7526}}` is diminished and described as coming from mere "smoking firebrands" `{{H181}}`, counseling God's people not to fear it [[Isaiah 7:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2750}}` **chŏrîy** is a powerful descriptor that intensifies the concept of anger into a "burning" or "fierce" wrath. It is used to illustrate the formidable power of God's judgment, the depth of righteous human indignation, and the ultimate futility of human rage when set against the purposes of God. Its limited but potent use emphasizes the consuming nature of anger in pivotal scriptural moments.
TRV