### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun רְגַז (rᵉgaz), Strong's Number `{{H7266}}`, denotes "violent anger" or "rage." It is derived from the root רָגַז (H7264), which in Hebrew carries the primary sense of trembling, quaking, or being agitated and disturbed. While the Hebrew root can describe physical shaking or emotional disquiet, the Aramaic noun רְגַז specifically narrows this semantic range to the intense, often explosive, manifestation of inner agitation as a furious outburst of anger. It describes an anger that is not merely felt but is expressed with vehemence and often destructive intent, reflecting the underlying turmoil or disturbance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְגַז (H7266) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, consistently describing the unbridled wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar:
* **[[Daniel 2:12]]**: "Then the king was furious and very angry (וּבִקְצַף וּרְגַז שַׂגִּיא) and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed." Here, רְגַז is coupled with קְצַף (H7108, "wrath, indignation"), emphasizing the extreme and destructive nature of Nebuchadnezzar's anger when his wise men could not reveal his dream. It immediately precedes a command for mass execution, illustrating its dangerous consequences.
* **[[Daniel 3:13]]**: "Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage (בִּרְגַז וּבַחֲמָה) commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought." Again, רְגַז is paired with another term for intense anger, חֲמָה (H2534, "heat, burning anger, fury"). This instance highlights the king's impulsive and tyrannical reaction to the three Hebrews' refusal to worship his golden image, leading directly to their condemnation to the fiery furnace.
* **[[Daniel 3:19]]**: "Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; he ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated." While the precise grammatical form here is debated among scholars (some interpret it as the verb "he raged," others as the noun "and a rage"), the context clearly depicts the king's intense, visible anger (וּרְגַז עַל שַׁדְרַךְ מֵישַׁךְ וַעֲבֵד נְגוֹ). It describes the physical manifestation of his internal rage, leading to an extreme and cruel command.
In all occurrences, רְגַז characterizes the violent, unreasoning anger of a pagan monarch, driven by his own pride and thwarted will, leading to severe and unjust decrees against God's servants.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic רְגַז (H7266) is intimately connected to its Hebrew cognate רָגַז (H7264), which as a verb means "to tremble," "to quake," "to be agitated," or "to be disturbed." The Aramaic noun captures the specific manifestation of this agitation as "violent anger."
Other significant terms for anger and wrath in the biblical languages include:
* קֶצֶף (H7108): Wrath, indignation, often used for divine or royal displeasure. It appears alongside רְגַז in [[Daniel 2:12]].
* חֵמָה (H2534): Heat, burning anger, fury. Frequently used for both human and divine wrath, it is paired with רְגַז in [[Daniel 3:13]] and [[Daniel 3:19]].
* אַף (H639): Literally "nose," but idiomatically "anger," often referring to a slow-burning or controlled anger, though it can also denote fierce wrath.
* עֶבְרָה (H5678): An outburst of wrath, often implying an overflowing or excessive display.
While these terms all convey aspects of anger, רְגַז (H7266) specifically emphasizes the *violent, agitated, and often explosive nature* of the rage, rooted in an inner disturbance that expresses itself outwardly. It highlights the destructive and tyrannical aspect of human wrath.
### Theological Significance
The consistent portrayal of רְגַז in Daniel offers profound theological insights.
1. **The Depravity of Uncontrolled Human Rage:** The instances of רְגַז vividly illustrate the destructive and irrational nature of human anger when it is unchecked by divine wisdom or moral restraint. Nebuchadnezzar's rage is portrayed as a hallmark of his tyrannical rule, leading to unjust decrees and violence. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of allowing passion to dictate action.
2. **Contrast with Divine Righteousness:** In contrast to the impulsive and unrighteous רְגַז of human kings, God's wrath, though often described with terms like קֶצֶף or חֵמָה, is always righteous, purposeful, and just. It is never capricious or irrational but serves divine justice and holiness. The human רְגַז in Daniel underscores the moral chasm between fallen humanity and the perfect character of God.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Human Folly:** Despite the terrifying רְגַז of Nebuchadnezzar, God's sovereignty remains supreme. The deliverance of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the king's wrath demonstrates that even the fiercest human rage cannot thwart God's purposes or harm His faithful servants without His permission. God turns the king's rage into an opportunity to display His power and receive glory.
4. **A Call for Self-Control:** Implicitly, the negative portrayal of רְגַז aligns with broader biblical wisdom that encourages self-control, patience, and the avoidance of quick temper (e.g., [[Proverbs 14:29]], [[Proverbs 16:32]]). It underscores the spiritual danger of succumbing to such violent passions.
### Summary
The Aramaic noun רְגַז (rᵉgaz), Strong's Number `{{H7266}}`, signifies "violent anger" or "rage," stemming from a root meaning "to tremble" or "be agitated." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the book of Daniel consistently depict the unbridled and destructive wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar. Paired with other terms for intense anger like קֶצֶף (H7108) and חֲמָה (H2534), רְגַז emphasizes the agitated, explosive, and often tyrannical nature of this emotion. Theologically, רְגַז serves as a powerful illustration of the depravity of unchecked human passion, contrasting sharply with God's righteous and controlled anger. Ultimately, it highlights God's unwavering sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most furious human rage cannot prevail against His divine plan or harm His faithful servants.
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