from עָשַׁן; smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger); smoke(-ing).
Transliteration:ʻâshân
Pronunciation:aw-shawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H6227}}` (ʻâshân) primarily denotes "smoke," the visible gaseous product of combustion. This is its most frequent and literal application in the biblical text. However, its semantic range extends beyond this immediate physical phenomenon to encompass significant figurative meanings. Derived from the verbal root `{{H6226}}` (ʻâshan), meaning "to smoke" or "to be smoky," `{{H6227}}` inherently carries the connotation of an emanation from a burning source.
Figuratively, `{{H6227}}` can represent:
* **Vapor or Dust:** A cloud-like or particulate substance that obscures vision or rises from a disturbed surface, akin to the effects of smoke.
* **Anger or Wrath:** A powerful metaphorical extension, where the "smoke" signifies intense indignation, often divine. Just as fire produces smoke, so intense anger is depicted as "burning" or "smoking," indicative of a consuming passion or impending judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H6227}}` appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, often in contexts that highlight its symbolic depth:
* **Divine Manifestation (Theophany):** One of the most prominent uses of `{{H6227}}` is in descriptions of God's appearance, particularly at Mount Sinai. [[Exodus 19:18]] states, "Now Mount Sinai was altogether in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire." This imagery emphasizes God's awesome, unapproachable holiness and overwhelming power, veiled yet manifest. Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 4:11]] recounts the mountain burning with fire into the heart of heaven, "with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness." In [[Psalm 18:8]] (parallel to [[2 Samuel 22:9]]), smoke is vividly depicted coming from God's nostrils, an anthropomorphic representation of His fierce anger and power unleashed against His adversaries.
* **Judgment and Destruction:** `{{H6227}}` serves as a powerful visual of divine judgment and utter devastation, often accompanying fire. The most iconic example is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [[Genesis 19:28]], where Abraham "looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and saw, and behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace." This portrays complete annihilation. [[Isaiah 34:10]], prophesying judgment upon Edom, declares, "Its smoke shall go up forever," signifying perpetual desolation.
* **Transience and Futility:** The ephemeral nature of smoke, which quickly dissipates, is employed to symbolize the brevity of human life or the ultimate futility of wicked schemes. [[Psalm 37:20]] states concerning the wicked, "they vanish—like smoke they vanish away." This highlights their ephemeral existence and ultimate destruction. In [[Psalm 102:3]], the psalmist laments, "For my days pass away like smoke," expressing the brevity and suffering of life.
* **Figurative for Anger/Wrath:** As noted in the semantic range, `{{H6227}}` directly signifies anger. [[Psalm 74:1]] asks, "Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?" This directly attributes the characteristic of smoke to God's wrath, a powerful image of His consuming indignation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and usage of `{{H6227}}` are enriched by its relationship with other key biblical terms:
* **`{{H6226}}` (ʻâshan):** The verbal root from which `{{H6227}}` is derived, meaning "to smoke" or "to be smoky." This direct etymological link reinforces the core concept.
* **`{{H784}}` (ʾēsh):** "Fire." As smoke is a product of fire, these two words are intimately connected in biblical imagery, especially in contexts of divine presence, judgment, and purification.
* **`{{H6051}}` (ʻānān):** "Cloud." Often found alongside `{{H6227}}` in descriptions of theophany (e.g., [[Exodus 19:9]]), as both are atmospheric phenomena signifying God's veiled presence, glory, or the awesome manifestation of His power.
* **`{{H7225}}` (reʻam):** "Thunder." Another element frequently associated with divine manifestation and judgment, particularly at Sinai, emphasizing the overwhelming and terrifying nature of God's presence.
* **`{{H3564}}` (kĕtōret):** "Incense." While incense produces smoke, its primary biblical connotation is worship, prayer, and atonement, contrasting with the more common associations of `{{H6227}}` with raw power, judgment, or transience.
* **`{{G25}}` (atmís):** The common Greek equivalent for "vapor" or "smoke," used in the Septuagint to translate `{{H6227}}` and appearing in the New Testament (e.g., [[Acts 2:19]], [[James 4:14]]) in contexts that often echo Old Testament imagery of judgment and transience.
### Theological Significance
The word `{{H6227}}` (ʻâshân) carries profound theological implications, serving as a powerful visual and metaphorical tool to convey essential truths about God and humanity:
1. **The Transcendent Holiness and Majesty of God:** The smoke veiling Mount Sinai signifies God's unapproachable holiness and overwhelming power. It speaks to His otherness, His divine majesty that must be approached with reverence and awe, for His glory is too intense for human sight. It evokes a sense of "fear of the Lord," not merely terror, but profound respect and worship.
2. **The Consuming Nature of Divine Wrath and Justice:** The imagery of smoke rising from devastated lands or emanating from God's nostrils powerfully communicates the destructive and consuming force of God's righteous anger against sin. It is a visible sign of His just retribution, underscoring His sovereignty and unwavering commitment to uphold justice in the world. This aspect reinforces the seriousness of sin and the certainty of its consequences.
3. **The Ephemeral Nature of Human Life and Wickedness:** The fleeting quality of smoke serves as a stark reminder of human mortality and the ultimate futility of human pride, rebellion, or earthly pursuits. It contrasts the brevity of human existence with the eternal nature of God, urging individuals to seek lasting righteousness and to acknowledge God's ultimate authority. The wicked, like smoke, will vanish, emphasizing the triumph of God's justice.
4. **Awe and Reverence:** In all its contexts, whether depicting God's direct manifestation or His judgment, `{{H6227}}` inherently evokes a sense of awe, dread, and profound reverence for God's immense power and authority. It signals that something momentous and divine is at work, demanding humility and obedience from humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6227}}` (ʻâshân), meaning "smoke," is a multifaceted and potent term in the Old Testament, extending from its literal sense to rich figurative applications. It plays a crucial role in biblical theology, most notably in depicting theophany, where the smoke of Mount Sinai signifies God's veiled, awe-inspiring presence and power (e.g., [[Exodus 19:18]]). `{{H6227}}` is also a pervasive symbol of divine judgment and utter destruction, as seen in the rising smoke from cities consumed by fire (e.g., [[Genesis 19:28]]). Furthermore, its transient nature is leveraged to convey the brevity of human life and the ultimate futility of the wicked (e.g., [[Psalm 37:20]]). Theologically, ʻâshân underscores the transcendent holiness and unapproachable majesty of God, the consuming nature of His righteous wrath against sin, and the fleeting nature of all earthly things in contrast to God's eternal sovereignty. Its presence consistently evokes a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Almighty.
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