Original Word: זָעַף
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: za`aph
Pronunciation: zah'-af
Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-af')
Definition: Rage, wrath, storm
Meaning: to boil up, to be peevish, angry

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb זָעַף (za'aph), meaning "to be angry" or "to be indignant."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G3709 (ὀργή, orgē): Often translated as "wrath" or "anger," this Greek term is used in the New Testament to describe both human and divine anger.

- G2372 (θυμός, thymos): Another Greek term for "wrath" or "fury," emphasizing a passionate and intense form of anger.

Usage: The Hebrew word "zaaph" primarily denotes a state of intense anger or wrath. It is often used to describe a powerful emotional response, akin to a storm of emotions, that can lead to destructive actions or consequences. In the biblical context, it is frequently associated with divine wrath or human anger that reflects a deep-seated indignation.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, emotions such as anger were often depicted using vivid imagery, such as storms or natural disasters, to convey their intensity and potential for destruction. The concept of divine wrath was understood as a righteous response to sin and disobedience, reflecting God's holiness and justice. Human anger, on the other hand, was often cautioned against, as it could lead to sin if not controlled.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be vexed, be enraged
NASB Translation
dejected (1), enraged (2), looking...haggard (1), rages (1).

[זַעַף] verb be out of humour, vexed; be enraged (Aramaic rage against, זְעַף to storm, זַעֲפָא storm; compare Samaritan blow, breathe) —

Qal Imperfect יִזְעַף Proverbs 19:3; וַיִּזְעַף2Chronicles 26:19; Infinitive זַעְמּוֺ2Chronicles 26:19; Participle plural זֹעֲפִים Genesis 40:6; Daniel 1:10; —

1 be out of humour Genesis 40:6 (E); dejected, of face Daniel 1:10; followed by עַל Proverbs 19:3 fret against (AV).

2 be enraged (late: compare Aramaic above) 2 Chronicles 26:19; followed by עִם 2 Chronicles 26:19.

fret, sad, worse liking, be wroth

A primitive root; properly, to boil up, i.e. (figuratively) to be peevish or angry -- fret, sad, worse liking, be wroth.

וַיִּזְעַף֙ וּבְזַעְפּ֣וֹ ובזעפו ויזעף זֹֽעֲפִ֗ים זֹעֲפִֽים׃ זעפים זעפים׃ יִזְעַ֥ף יזעף ū·ḇə·za‘·pōw ūḇəza‘pōw uvezaPo vaiyizAf way·yiz·‘ap̄ wayyiz‘ap̄ yiz‘ap̄ yiz·‘ap̄ yizAf zō‘ăp̄îm zō·‘ă·p̄îm zoaFimInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts