a primitive root; to smoke, whether literal or figurative; be angry (be on a) smoke.
Transliteration:ʻâshan
Pronunciation:aw-shan'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H6225}}` (ʻâshan) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to smoke." This primary sense encompasses both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it describes the emanation of smoke, as from a fire or a burning object. Figuratively, it extends to denote intense anger or wrath, where the "smoke" serves as a visible manifestation of an internal, consuming fire of indignation. The semantic range thus bridges the physical phenomenon of smoke with the powerful, often overwhelming, expression of strong emotion, particularly divine wrath. The imagery suggests a visible, perhaps even suffocating, display of fervent displeasure, akin to the heat and obscuring nature of smoke.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H6225}}` in the Hebrew Bible powerfully illustrate its dual literal and figurative meanings:
* **Literal Smoke:**
* [[Exodus 19:18]] provides a foundational instance, describing Mount Sinai "smoking" because the Lord descended upon it in fire. This portrays God's awesome, unapproachable holiness and power, where smoke is a physical manifestation of His fiery presence.
* [[Psalm 104:32]] speaks of mountains "smoking" when God merely touches them, reiterating the theme of creation's response to divine might.
* [[Isaiah 6:4]] uses `{{H6225}}` to describe the posts of the door moving and the house being filled with "smoke" as a result of the seraphim's cries and the divine presence, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of God's holiness.
* **Figurative Anger/Wrath:**
* In [[Deuteronomy 29:20]], the Lord declares that His anger and jealousy "will smoke" against the one who turns away from Him. Here, the "smoke" is a vivid metaphor for the intensity and consuming nature of divine wrath, indicating a full and visible expression of His judgment.
* [[Psalm 74:1]] and [[Psalm 80:4]] employ `{{H6225}}` in laments, questioning why God's anger "smokes" against His people. This highlights the perceived severity and duration of divine displeasure, often in the context of national suffering or perceived abandonment.
* Perhaps the most striking figurative use is found in [[2 Samuel 22:9]] and [[Psalm 18:8]] (a parallel passage), where it states that "smoke went up from His nostrils" (referring to God). This anthropomorphic depiction powerfully conveys the fierce, visceral indignation of God, likening His anger to a raging fire that produces visible smoke from His very being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relative to `{{H6225}}` is the noun `{{H6227}}` (ʻāshān), which directly means "smoke." This noun frequently appears in contexts mirroring the verbal usage, such as the smoke of a burnt offering ([[Leviticus 16:13]]), the smoke of a burning city ([[Genesis 19:28]]), or the smoke from God's presence ([[Psalm 104:32]]).
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Anger and Wrath:** `{{H639}}` ('aph, "nose," often used for anger/wrath, particularly "slow to anger"), `{{H2734}}` (ḥēmâ, "heat," "fury," "wrath"), and `{{H5678}}` (ʻebrâ, "overflowing," "fury," "wrath"). The connection between `{{H6225}}` and `{{H639}}` is especially strong in the imagery of "smoke from the nostrils," linking the physical manifestation of breath/anger with the visual effect of smoke.
* **Divine Presence:** Concepts of God's holiness, glory, and unapproachability, often accompanied by fire, cloud, and smoke (e.g., the theophany at Sinai).
* **Judgment:** The idea of divine judgment and its severe consequences, where God's "smoking" anger leads to destruction or punishment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6225}}` is profound, particularly in its depiction of God's nature and actions:
* **Divine Majesty and Holiness:** When Mount Sinai "smoked," it was a visible sign of God's awesome, transcendent holiness and power. This imagery instills reverence and awe, underscoring that God is both present and utterly distinct from His creation. His presence is so potent that it affects the very landscape.
* **Righteous Indignation and Wrath:** The most impactful theological use of `{{H6225}}` is in conveying divine wrath. God's anger is not portrayed as a petty human emotion but as a righteous, intense, and consuming response to sin, rebellion, and covenant infidelity. The "smoking" anger is a powerful metaphor for its severity, its visible manifestation, and its potential for destructive consequences. It communicates that God's displeasure is not passive but active and potent.
* **Anthropomorphism and Divine Emotion:** The striking image of "smoke going up from His nostrils" ([[Psalm 18:8]]) is a vivid anthropomorphism. While not literal, it serves to convey the intensity and visceral nature of God's indignation in terms that human beings can grasp. It emphasizes that God is not an impersonal force but a Person who responds righteously and passionately to injustice and sin. This imagery assures believers that God is actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, even when His actions are severe.
* **Covenant Fidelity and Consequences:** The warning in [[Deuteronomy 29:20]] that God's anger will "smoke" against those who break the covenant underscores the serious implications of disobedience and the inviolable nature of God's promises and warnings.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H6225}}` (ʻâshan) fundamentally means "to smoke," encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it describes the physical emanation of smoke, notably associated with divine presence and power, as seen in the smoking Mount Sinai ([[Exodus 19:18]]). Figuratively and more significantly, `{{H6225}}` powerfully conveys intense anger or wrath, particularly the righteous indignation of God. This is vividly illustrated by the metaphor of "smoke going up from His nostrils" ([[Psalm 18:8]]), signifying a fierce, consuming, and visible expression of divine displeasure against sin and rebellion. Theologically, `{{H6225}}` underscores God's awesome majesty, His active and righteous judgment, and the serious consequences of covenant infidelity, portraying His wrath as a potent and unyielding force.
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