### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻebrâh**, represented by `{{H5678}}`, describes an outburst of passion, specifically **anger, rage, or wrath**. It appears **34 times** across **34 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to characterize both the intense, righteous judgment of God and the destructive, often cruel, anger of humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5678}}` is frequently associated with the "day of the LORD," a time of ultimate judgment. On this day, material wealth is rendered useless, as neither silver {H3701} nor gold {H2091} can deliver people from the LORD's **wrath** ([[Zephaniah 1:18]], [[Ezekiel 7:19]]). This day is described as one of trouble {H6869}, distress {H4691}, wasteness {H7722}, and darkness {H2822} [[Zephaniah 1:15]]. The term is also applied to human anger, such as Jacob's condemnation of his sons' **wrath** as cruel {H7185} [[Genesis 49:7]] and the **wrath** of a king directed at a servant who causes shame [[Proverbs 14:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of divine and human anger:
* `{{H639}}` **ʼaph** (anger, wrath): A general term for anger, often appearing in parallel with **ʻebrâh** to emphasize the intensity of the emotion, whether in God's judgment [[Isaiah 13:13]] or in a plea for divine intervention [[Psalms 7:6]].
* `{{H2740}}` **chârôwn** (a burning of anger; fierce(-ness)): This term highlights the fiery, consuming nature of anger and is frequently paired with **ʻebrâh** to describe the fierceness of God's displeasure ([[Isaiah 13:9]], [[Psalms 85:3]]).
* `{{H2195}}` **zaʻam** (fury, indignation, rage): Denotes fury or indignation, often listed alongside **ʻebrâh** as part of the outpouring of God's judgment upon sin and unrighteousness ([[Ezekiel 21:31]], [[Psalms 78:49]]).
* `{{H7068}}` **qinʼâh** (jealousy, zeal): This word connects God's **wrath** to His covenantal zeal. The "fire of his jealousy" is what fuels the "day of the LORD'S **wrath**," consuming the land in response to unfaithfulness ([[Zephaniah 1:18]], [[Ezekiel 38:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5678}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's character and His response to humanity.
* **The Day of Judgment:** The concept of the "day of **wrath**" [[Proverbs 11:4]] is a central theme, portraying a definitive moment of divine reckoning where worldly defenses fail and the wicked are reserved for destruction [[Job 21:30]].
* **Consequence of Sin:** God's **wrath** is presented as a direct response to transgression {H6588} [[Amos 1:11]], iniquity {H5766} [[Proverbs 22:8]], and pride. The LORD directs his **wrath** against hypocritical nations [[Isaiah 10:6]] and the proud [[Job 40:11]], and the expectation of the wicked is ultimately **wrath** [[Proverbs 11:23]].
* **Divine vs. Human Anger:** While God's **wrath** is an instrument of justice and judgment [[Lamentations 2:2]], human **wrath** is often depicted as cruel [[Genesis 49:7]], associated with lies {H907} [[Isaiah 16:6]], and characteristic of the proud and haughty [[Proverbs 21:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5678}}` **ʻebrâh** is a potent word signifying a severe outburst of passion. It is a cornerstone for understanding the biblical concept of judgment, particularly in the context of the Day of the Lord. While it can describe the flawed and destructive anger of humans, its primary theological function is to articulate the righteous, powerful, and final wrath of God against sin, pride, and rebellion.
TRV