### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼânaph**, represented by `{{H599}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to breathe hard, i.e. be enraged**. It is used in scripture to convey being **angry** or **displeased**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses**, primarily describing the divine response to sin and disobedience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H599}}` almost exclusively describes the anger of God. This anger is presented as a direct consequence of sin, as articulated in Solomon's prayer: "If they sin against thee... and thou be **angry** with them" ([[1 Kings 8:46]]; [[2 Chronicles 6:36]]). Such anger leads to significant judgment, including Israel's removal from the land [[2 Kings 17:18]] and the threat of complete destruction [[Deuteronomy 9:8]]. However, the narrative also contains the profound hope that this anger is not permanent. The prophet Isaiah looks forward to a day of praise when it can be said, "though thou wast **angry** with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me" [[Isaiah 12:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nature and context of divine anger:
* `{{H639}}` **ʼaph**: Derived from `{{H599}}`, this word properly means **the nose or nostril** and, by extension, **ire** or **wrath**, stemming from the concept of rapid breathing in passion. It is used alongside `{{H599}}` to describe anger that can be "turned away" [[Isaiah 12:1]].
* `{{H7107}}` **qâtsaph**: This primitive root means **to crack off, i.e. (figuratively) burst out in rage**. It is used to describe the provocation that incites the anger of `{{H599}}`, as when Israel provoked the LORD, so that He "was **angry** with you to have destroyed you" [[Deuteronomy 9:8]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb**: Meaning **to turn back (hence, away)**, this word is critical for understanding the resolution of God's anger. It signifies the turning point, as seen in the prophetic hope that God's anger "is **turned away**" [[Isaiah 12:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H599}}` is focused on the character of God and His relationship with His people.
* **Righteous Divine Anger:** The word is used to describe God's holy response to sin and covenant unfaithfulness. The LORD became **angry** with Solomon because his heart turned away [[1 Kings 11:9]], and with Israel for their provocations [[Deuteronomy 9:8]], showing this anger is not arbitrary but a reaction to rebellion.
* **Tangible Consequences of Anger:** God's anger is not a passive emotion but results in severe action. These consequences include being delivered to enemies [[1 Kings 8:46]], being removed from God's presence [[2 Kings 17:18]], and the threat of being utterly consumed or destroyed ([[Ezra 9:14]]; [[Deuteronomy 9:20]]).
* **The Possibility of Mercy:** Despite its severity, the anger expressed by `{{H599}}` is often portrayed as temporary. The psalmists plead, "Wilt thou be **angry** with us for ever?" [[Psalms 85:5]], and Isaiah gives hope for a time when God's anger will turn away to be replaced by comfort [[Isaiah 12:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H599}}` **ʼânaph** is a powerful term that defines divine anger in the Old Testament. It is not an arbitrary rage but a just response to sin, carrying with it the potential for devastating judgment and destruction. Crucially, it also exists within a framework of mercy, where this anger can be turned away, demonstrating the biblical tension between God's holiness and His compassion for His people.
TRV