### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâshan**, represented by `{{H6225}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to smoke**. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses. This term is used to describe both literal smoke, such as from a mountain, and is used figuratively to depict anger, often in the context of God's wrath.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6225}}` is used to illustrate divine power and emotion. A significant literal usage is found in the description of Mount Sinai, which was "altogether on a **smoke**" when the Lord descended upon it in fire [[Exodus 19:18]]. This imagery is echoed in the Psalms, where God's touch causes the mountains or hills to **smoke** ([[Psalms 104:32]], [[Psalms 144:5]]). Figuratively, the word portrays God's intense displeasure, as when his anger and jealousy **smoke** against a person who turns from the covenant [[Deuteronomy 29:20]]. It also appears in pleas to God, questioning why his anger **smokes** against his people ([[Psalms 74:1]], [[Psalms 80:4]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of divine presence and anger:
* `{{H6227}}` **ʻâshân** (smoke): The noun form of the verb, meaning **smoke, literally or figuratively**. It is used in direct parallel with `{{H6225}}` when describing the **smoke** ascending from Mount Sinai [[Exodus 19:18]].
* `{{H639}}` **ʼaph** (anger): Meaning **ire; anger**. This word is frequently used alongside `{{H6225}}` to describe the source of the figurative smoke. God's **anger** is said to smoke against the disobedient [[Deuteronomy 29:20]] and against his people [[Psalms 74:1]].
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (mountain): This word for **a mountain or range of hills** provides the physical setting for some of the most dramatic uses of `{{H6225}}`. Both Mount Sinai [[Exodus 19:18]] and the **hills** or **mountains** touched by God are depicted as smoking ([[Psalms 104:32]], [[Psalms 144:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6225}}` is tied to its powerful imagery.
* **Theophanic Manifestation:** The literal use of `{{H6225}}` is a key feature of theophany, or the visible manifestation of God. The smoking of Mount Sinai served as a terrifying and awesome sign of the Lord's presence among His people [[Exodus 19:18]].
* **Righteous Anger and Jealousy:** Figuratively, the term expresses the intensity of God's holy anger. The "smoking" of His anger is not an uncontrolled rage but a powerful response to sin and covenant-breaking, often linked to His **jealousy** `{{H7068}}` for His name and His people [[Deuteronomy 29:20]].
* **Sovereign Power:** The image of God touching mountains and causing them to **smoke** demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over creation. It shows that the natural world responds to His mere presence and touch [[Psalms 144:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6225}}` **ʻâshan** provides a potent and vivid image in scripture. It functions on two levels: as a literal descriptor for the awesome physical manifestations of God's presence, and as a powerful metaphor for the intensity of His divine anger. Whether describing a quaking mountain or the burning wrath of God, the word conveys a sense of overwhelming power that cannot be ignored.
TRV