feminine of עֵבֶר; an outburst of passion; anger, rage, wrath.
Transliteration:ʻebrâh
Pronunciation:eb-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֶבְרָה (ʻebrâh, `{{H5678}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root עֵבֶר (ʻēber, `{{H5676}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "passing over," "crossing beyond," or "the other side." This etymological root provides crucial insight into the semantic range of ʻebrâh, which denotes an "outburst of passion," "anger," "rage," or "wrath." The concept of "passing over" or "overflowing" is central; it describes an emotion that has exceeded its bounds, often manifesting as an overwhelming, intense, and sometimes destructive force. Unlike a simmering resentment, ʻebrâh suggests a powerful, unleashed expression. The feminine form can often denote an abstract quality or a collective, potentially amplifying the pervasiveness or intensity of the wrath described.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ʻebrâh appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in prophetic and poetic literature, describing both divine and, less often, human wrath.
* **Divine Wrath:** Most notably, ʻebrâh is a prominent descriptor of God's righteous indignation and judgment against sin, idolatry, and disobedience. It is not an arbitrary emotion but a holy response to covenant infidelity and injustice.
* In [[Deuteronomy 29:28]], it describes the Lord's "anger and wrath and great indignation" poured out upon those who abandon His covenant, leading to their expulsion from the land.
* The psalmist in [[Psalm 78:49]] speaks of God sending "burning anger, wrath, indignation, and trouble" upon the Egyptians, illustrating His active judgment.
* Prophetic books frequently use ʻebrâh to warn of impending divine judgment. [[Isaiah 13:9]] speaks of "the day of the Lord" coming with "fierce anger and wrath" to lay the land waste. Similarly, [[Nahum 1:6]] asks, "Who can stand before His indignation? Who can endure the heat of His anger?" Here, ʻebrâh signifies the irresistible and devastating nature of God's judgment.
* [[Lamentations 2:2]] portrays God's ʻebrâh as having "swallowed up without mercy all the habitations of Jacob," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the destruction brought about by divine wrath.
* **Human Wrath:** While less common, ʻebrâh can also describe intense human anger, often with negative connotations.
* [[Proverbs 11:4]] states that "riches do not profit in the day of wrath (ʻebrâh)," implying that human folly and its consequences are subject to a day of reckoning, perhaps even a divine one.
* [[Proverbs 27:4]] warns, "Wrath (ʻebrâh) is cruel, and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" Here, ʻebrâh highlights the destructive and overwhelming nature of human rage.
In its various contexts, ʻebrâh consistently conveys a powerful, often destructive, and always intense manifestation of displeasure, whether divine or human.
### Related Words & Concepts
ʻebrâh is one of several Hebrew terms used to express anger or wrath, each carrying distinct nuances. Understanding these related terms helps to refine the specific meaning of ʻebrâh.
* אף (aph, `{{H639}}`): Literally "nose" or "nostril," but commonly used metaphorically for anger, often implying a slow, controlled anger ("slow to anger" - ארך אפים). While aph can describe intense anger, ʻebrâh often emphasizes the *outburst* or *overflowing* aspect.
* חֵמָה (chemah, `{{H2534}}`): Means "heat," "fury," or "wrath." It often suggests a burning, passionate anger, similar in intensity to ʻebrâh. The two words are frequently found in parallel or in conjunction, as in [[Deuteronomy 29:28]] or [[Psalm 78:49]], indicating their close semantic relationship in describing fierce divine displeasure. Chemah might emphasize the *internal heat*, while ʻebrâh highlights the *external manifestation* or overflow.
* קֶצֶף (qetsef, `{{H7110}}`): Denotes "wrath," "indignation," or "fury," often implying a breaking forth or a sudden outburst. It shares the "outburst" aspect with ʻebrâh.
* זַעַם (za'am, `{{H2195}}`): Refers to "indignation," "fury," or "execration," often associated with God's displeasure and the curses resulting from it. It carries a strong connotation of divine judgment and condemnation.
While these terms overlap, ʻebrâh particularly emphasizes the overwhelming, overflowing, and often destructive nature of the wrath, suggesting a force that passes beyond limits.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻebrâh is profound, primarily in its depiction of divine wrath.
* **God's Righteousness and Justice:** The concept of God's ʻebrâh underscores His absolute holiness and His unyielding commitment to justice. It is not an arbitrary or capricious emotion, but a righteous response to sin, rebellion, and the violation of His covenant. God's ʻebrâh ensures that evil does not go unpunished and that His moral order is upheld.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The frequent association of ʻebrâh with judgment, destruction, and exile serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of human sin and disobedience. It illustrates that God takes sin seriously and that there are inevitable repercussions for turning away from Him.
* **Prophetic Warning and Call to Repentance:** Prophets often employ the imagery of God's ʻebrâh as a powerful warning to Israel and the nations, urging them to repent and return to God before the "day of wrath" arrives. This serves as a strong motivation for ethical living and covenant faithfulness.
* **Distinction between Divine and Human Anger:** While God's ʻebrâh is portrayed as purposeful, just, and controlled (even in its intensity), human ʻebrâh is often depicted negatively, leading to folly, destruction, and sin (e.g., [[Proverbs 27:4]]). This distinction highlights the perfection of God's character in contrast to fallen humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Mercy:** Even in the midst of overwhelming wrath, the biblical narrative often subtly points to God's ultimate sovereignty and His capacity for mercy. While ʻebrâh signifies judgment, it is not always the final word. Passages like [[Habakkuk 3:2]] ("in wrath remember mercy") provide a theological counterpoint, revealing God's ultimate desire for reconciliation and redemption, even as He justly deals with sin.
### Summary
ʻebrâh (`{{H5678}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying an intense, overflowing "outburst of passion," "anger," "rage," or "wrath." Derived from a root meaning "to pass over" or "cross beyond," it vividly portrays an emotion that exceeds boundaries, often with destructive force. Predominantly used to describe God's righteous ʻebrâh, the word powerfully conveys His holy indignation and just judgment against sin and covenant infidelity, as seen in passages warning of the "day of the Lord's wrath." While less frequently, it can also denote the destructive nature of human rage. Theologically, ʻebrâh underscores God's unwavering holiness and justice, the dire consequences of sin, and serves as a prophetic call to repentance. It stands alongside other terms for anger, distinguished by its emphasis on the overwhelming and often manifested nature of the wrath, thereby providing a crucial lens through which to understand divine discipline and the gravity of human rebellion in the biblical narrative.
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