אַכְזָרִי (akh.za.ri)
akh.za.ri
cruel
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word akhzaari describes a harshness that goes beyond simple strictness. It points to a heart that lacks mercy and treats others with unnecessary severity. When we encounter this trait in Scripture, it serves as a warning against the damage caused by unkindness. It reminds us that our words and actions have weight, affecting not just those around us but our own spiritual well-being.
In Proverbs 11:17, we see a direct link between cruelty and self-harm. The text suggests that being cruel ultimately troubles one's own flesh. This is a sobering thought for anyone navigating relationships or leadership. It invites us to examine our own hearts, asking if we are responding with grace or with a harsh spirit that isolates us from God's peace.
For your daily walk, this word encourages a deliberate choice toward gentleness. It does not demand perfection but calls for awareness. By avoiding cruel speech and actions, you protect your own soul and reflect the compassion of Christ. Let this truth guide you to treat others with the dignity they deserve, finding freedom in mercy rather than bondage in harshness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] cruel2×
- to/ a cruel [person]1×
- cruel1×
- a cruel [person]1×
- a cruel [one]1×
- a cruel [day]1×
- [will be] cruel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַכְזָרִ֥י3×
- אַכְזָרִֽי\׃2×
- לְ/אַכְזָרִֽי\׃1×
- אַכְזָרִ֔י1×
- אַ֝כְזָרִ֗י1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
This verse uniquely connects the act of being cruel directly to self-inflicted harm, showing that harshness ultimately damages the person who practices it.
-
Isaiah 13:9
Behold, the day of Yahweh comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy its sinners out of it.
Here the word describes God's day of wrath, illustrating that divine judgment can also be characterized by a severity that brings desolation to the land.
-
Jeremiah 6:23
They take hold of bow and spear. They are cruel, and have no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a man to the battle, against you, daughter of Zion.”
The term is used to depict invading armies as devoid of mercy, emphasizing their ruthless nature in contrast to God's protective care for Zion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word akhzaari mean?
How is akhzaari different from other words for anger?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
Proverbs 4 verses
lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;
Proverbs 11:17The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
Proverbs 12:10A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 17:11An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.