a primitive root; to storm; by implication, to shiver, i.e. fear; be (horribly) afraid, fear, hurl as a storm, be tempestuous, come like (take away as with) a whirlwind.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H8175}}` (שָׂעַר, sâʻar) is a primitive root carrying a rich semantic range that primarily denotes intense agitation and violent motion. Its core meaning centers on the concept of "to storm," depicting the tumultuous power of a tempest or whirlwind. This literal sense extends metaphorically to describe internal states of profound disturbance. Thus, `{{H8175}}` can signify "to be tempestuous," "to rage like a storm," or "to hurl as a storm."
Beyond the meteorological, the word's semantic range encompasses human emotional and physical reactions to overwhelming forces. It implies "to shiver" or "to tremble," which naturally leads to the meaning "to be afraid" or "to dread." The connection between a physical storm and the internal "storm" of fear or agitation is central to its usage. It captures the sense of being violently shaken, whether by external elements or internal emotions, suggesting a loss of composure or control in the face of an overpowering presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of `{{H8175}}` demonstrate its dual application to both natural phenomena and human experience:
* **Physical Storms/Tempests:** In [[Psalm 50:3]], the word describes the formidable manifestation of God's presence: "Our God comes; he does not keep silence; a devouring fire is before him, a mighty tempest around him." Here, `{{H8175}}` (rendered "tempest") underscores the awe-inspiring and potentially destructive power accompanying divine judgment. Similarly, in the book of Jonah, the word vividly portrays the raging sea. [[Jonah 1:11]] and [[Jonah 1:13]] both use `{{H8175}}` to describe the sea "growing more and more tempestuous," emphasizing the escalating danger and the futility of human efforts against God-ordained forces. These contexts highlight God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural elements to accomplish His purposes, whether for judgment or to bring about repentance.
* **Internal Agitation/Fury:** A significant metaphorical use is found in [[Daniel 8:7]], where `{{H8175}}` is translated as "was moved with choler" or "was enraged." Describing the ram's furious attack, this usage conveys an internal "storm" of intense anger or violent agitation. The underlying sense of being violently shaken or agitated, akin to a storm, is transferred to the emotional state, illustrating how deep-seated fury can be as overwhelming and destructive as a physical tempest. This shows the word's capacity to describe not just external chaos but also the tumultuous inner world of sentient beings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H8175}}` is enriched by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms:
* **Noun Form:** The most direct relation is to the noun `{{H5492}}` (סַעַר, sa'ar), which means "storm," "tempest," or "whirlwind." This noun often appears in contexts describing divine judgment or powerful natural phenomena, reinforcing the core meaning of the verb.
* **Other Words for Wind/Storm:** `{{H7307}}` (רוּחַ, ruach), meaning "wind," "spirit," or "breath," often appears in conjunction with or in similar contexts to `{{H8175}}`, particularly when discussing strong winds or divine manifestations. `{{H5591}}` (סוּפָה, suphah) also denotes a "whirlwind" or "storm," often with connotations of destructive power.
* **Words for Fear/Trembling:** Terms like `{{H3372}}` (יָרֵא, yare), "to fear," and `{{H2729}}` (חָרַד, charad), "to tremble" or "to be anxious," share semantic overlap with the implied meaning of `{{H8175}}` when it signifies "to shiver" or "to be afraid." This highlights the shared human experience of being overwhelmed by powerful forces, whether natural or emotional.
* **Theophany:** The concept of God's appearance, often accompanied by natural phenomena like storms and fire, is a significant theological context for `{{H8175}}`. This connects it to broader themes of divine power, majesty, and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8175}}` is multifaceted, touching upon divine sovereignty, human experience, and the nature of judgment:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The frequent association of `{{H8175}}` with powerful storms underscores God's absolute control over creation. Natural tempests are not random occurrences but are often depicted as instruments or manifestations of God's will. This reinforces His omnipotence and His ability to command even the most chaotic elements.
* **Divine Judgment and Discipline:** In narratives like Jonah, the storm is a direct consequence of disobedience, serving as a means of divine discipline and a call to repentance. The "tempestuous" sea is a visible sign of God's displeasure and an agent of His corrective action. Similarly, the "mighty tempest" around God in [[Psalm 50:3]] signifies His coming in judgment.
* **Human Vulnerability and Awe:** The word's implication of "shivering" or "fear" highlights human vulnerability in the face of overwhelming power, whether it be a natural disaster or the wrath of God. It evokes a sense of awe and reverence, prompting recognition of human limitations and dependence on the divine.
* **The Internal Landscape:** The use of `{{H8175}}` to describe internal "choler" or rage in [[Daniel 8:7]] extends its theological relevance to the human heart. It suggests that uncontrolled emotions can be as destructive and chaotic as a physical storm, underscoring the need for inner peace and divine guidance to navigate the "tempests" of the soul.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H8175}}` (שָׂעַר, sâʻar) is a powerful and evocative term whose core meaning revolves around intense agitation and violent motion. It primarily describes the tumultuous force of a "storm" or "tempest," whether in a literal meteorological sense, as seen in [[Jonah 1:11]] and [[Jonah 1:13]], or as a metaphor for overwhelming internal states. Its semantic range extends to encompass the human experience of "shivering" or "being afraid" in the face of such forces, and even the "choler" or "fury" of intense emotional disturbance, as in [[Daniel 8:7]]. Theologically, `{{H8175}}` serves to magnify God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His use of natural phenomena as instruments of judgment or revelation, as well as to describe the profound impact of both external and internal "storms" on human experience. It powerfully conveys the concept of an overwhelming, uncontrollable force, whether it be the raw power of nature or the tempestuous depths of emotion.
TRV