### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼakzârîy**, represented by `{{H394}}`, describes something that is **terrible; cruel (one)**. It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**, consistently depicting a severe, unsparing, and merciless nature. This term is applied to instruments of divine judgment, hostile armies, and the inherent character of wicked individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H394}}` is used to convey an absence of compassion in different contexts. It is used to characterize the "day of the LORD" as **cruel** with wrath and fierce anger, a day intended to destroy sinners from the land [[Isaiah 13:9]]. God's corrective discipline is also described as "the chastisement of a **cruel one**" in response to multiplied sins [[Jeremiah 30:14]]. In the book of Proverbs, it defines a human characteristic, stating that a **cruel** man **troubleth** `{{H5916}}` his own flesh, in direct opposition to a merciful man [[Proverbs 11:17]]. The term is also used to describe invading armies that are **cruel** and "will not shew **mercy** `{{H7355}}`" ([[Jeremiah 6:23]], [[Jeremiah 50:42]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of cruelty by association or contrast:
* `{{H2740}}` **chârôwn** (fierce anger): This term, meaning **a burning of anger**, is paired directly with `{{H394}}` to describe the intensity of the Lord's judgment, as a day that is cruel with both wrath and **fierce** anger [[Isaiah 13:9]].
* `{{H7355}}` **râcham** (to have compassion, shew mercy): This word serves as a direct antonym, highlighting what cruelty lacks. It appears in passages describing armies that are **cruel** `{{H394}}` precisely because they "will not **shew mercy**" [[Jeremiah 6:23]].
* `{{H2617}}` **chêçêd** (kindness, mercy): This word for **kindness** or **mercy** is used to establish a sharp contrast between character types. The **merciful** man is set against the one who is **cruel** `{{H394}}`, showing their actions and motivations are opposites [[Proverbs 11:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H394}}` is significant, illustrating the severe consequences of sin and the nature of wickedness.
* **A Trait of God's Judgment:** The term is used to describe the terrible aspect of divine retribution against sin. God’s judgment is portrayed as **cruel** `{{H394}}` and coming with **fierce** `{{H2740}}` anger to **destroy** `{{H8045}}` **sinners** `{{H2400}}` [[Isaiah 13:9]]. It is a form of chastisement for iniquity [[Jeremiah 30:14]].
* **The Nature of Wickedness:** Cruelty is presented as a defining trait of the wicked. Proverbs states that even the "tender **mercies** `{{H7356}}` of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` are **cruel** `{{H394}}`," suggesting that their nature is so corrupted that even their attempts at kindness are harmful [[Proverbs 12:10]].
* **The Antithesis of Mercy:** The word's meaning is sharpened by its direct opposition to compassion. In both human and divine contexts, being **cruel** `{{H394}}` is equated with a refusal to show **mercy** `{{H7355}}` [[Jeremiah 50:42]] or a lifestyle contrary to that of the **merciful** `{{H2617}}` man [[Proverbs 11:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H394}}` is a potent term for a terrible and merciless quality. It is not used lightly, but instead characterizes the unsparing nature of divine judgment against rebellion, the violent aggression of enemy forces, and the deep-seated character flaw of those who oppose righteousness. It stands as a stark reminder of the absence of compassion and the severe reality of justice.
TRV