אַכְזְרִיּוּת (akh.ze.riy.yut)
akh.ze.riy.yut
cruel
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun akhzeriyut denotes a quality of cruelty or fierce harshness. It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, located in Proverbs 27:4. In this specific context, it describes the heavy burden of anger and wrath, which are weighed against the deceitfulness of a fool to show how much more destructive unchecked rage can be.
Its rarity makes its single occurrence significant. The word captures an intense, almost violent severity that goes beyond simple meanness. By placing it alongside jealousy and strife, the text highlights these emotions as overwhelming forces that crush reason. Translators typically render it "cruelty" or "fury," reflecting its raw and unyielding nature.
This unique usage serves as a stark warning about emotional control. The proverb contrasts human volatility with the relative stability of other troubles, suggesting that internal fury is the most dangerous threat to peace. Understanding this rare term helps readers grasp the depth of the biblical critique against letting anger dominate one’s character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word akhzeriyut appears only once in Scripture, found in Proverbs 27:4. It describes a quality of cruelty that goes beyond simple meanness. The text uses it to highlight the heavy burden of wrath and the overwhelming nature of anger. This rare term warns us about the destructive power of unchecked rage.
Understanding this word helps us see how dangerous uncontrolled emotions can be. When anger dominates, it crushes reason and destroys peace. The proverb contrasts this fury with other troubles, showing that internal volatility is often the most difficult challenge to face. It invites us to examine our own hearts and seek wisdom in managing our feelings.
We are not called to suppress our emotions but to guide them with discernment. By recognizing the severity of akhzeriyut, we can better appreciate the value of patience and self-control. This insight encourages a life where peace is preserved rather than lost to fleeting moments of fury.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] cruelty of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?
This verse uses akhzeriyut to describe wrath as cruel, contrasting it with the overwhelming force of anger and jealousy.