### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâtsaph**, represented by `{{H7107}}`, is a primitive root meaning to "burst out in rage" or "be wroth." It describes a strong, often sudden, expression of anger or displeasure. It appears **35 times** across **32 unique verses** in the Bible, conveying a sense of being provoked to wrath.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7107}}` is used to describe both divine and human anger. God's wrath is frequently a response to the disobedience of His people, as when the LORD was "sore displeased" with their fathers [[Zechariah 1:2]] or "wroth" with the nation of Israel for their iniquity [[Isaiah 47:6]]. The Israelites are warned not to provoke God to wrath in the wilderness [[Deuteronomy 9:7]]. The term also applies to human fury, such as when Pharaoh was "wroth" with his officers [[Genesis 40:2]] or when Moses was "wroth" with the Israelites over the manna [[Exodus 16:20]]. In a state of desperation, people may "fret themselves" with this same anger [[Isaiah 8:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of wrath in scripture:
* `{{H7110}}` **qetseph**: This word is derived from `{{H7107}}` and refers to the resulting rage, indignation, or wrath itself. It is often used alongside its root verb to intensify the meaning, as in being "very sore displeased" [[Zechariah 1:15]].
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh**: This term emphasizes the "heat" of anger, or "hot displeasure." It appears with `{{H7107}}` to describe the intensity of the LORD's anger against Israel [[Deuteronomy 9:19]].
* `{{H639}}` **'aph**: Properly meaning the nose or nostril, this word is used for anger, likely stemming from the physical sign of rapid breathing in passion. It is used to describe the Lord's "anger and hot displeasure" [[Deuteronomy 9:19]].
* `{{H599}}` **'ânaph**: This primitive root means "to breathe hard" or "be enraged." It is used in parallel with `{{H7107}}` to describe God's anger at Horeb [[Deuteronomy 9:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7107}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
* **A Consequence of Sin:** God's wrath is not arbitrary but is consistently depicted as a response to sin, rebellion, and iniquity. He was "wroth" because of "the iniquity of his covetousness" [[Isaiah 57:17]] and when his people provoked him [[Deuteronomy 9:22]].
* **Righteous Judgment:** This wrath often leads to judgment and action. In his anger, God "smote" his people [[Isaiah 57:17]]. Similarly, when human princes "were wroth" with Jeremiah, they "smote him" and put him in prison [[Jeremiah 37:15]].
* **Divine Mercy and Restraint:** Despite its severity, God's wrath is shown to be finite. He promises, "I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth" [[Isaiah 57:16]]. He also makes a covenant promise that he would not be "wroth" with His people forever [[Isaiah 54:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7107}}` is a potent term that signifies more than simple annoyance; it is a forceful bursting forth of anger. It is used to characterize the righteous and holy wrath of God against sin, as well as the full spectrum of intense human emotion, from the fury of a king to the frustration of a prophet. The word illustrates a critical dynamic in scripture: actions have consequences, and provoking displeasure can lead to a powerful and tangible reaction.
TRV