אַף (aph)
aph
face: anger
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 223 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun aph literally means nose or nostril, yet it most frequently translates as anger or wrath in Scripture. This connection arises from the physical reality that intense emotion causes rapid, heavy breathing through the nose. When God is described as having a burning nose, the text uses concrete bodily imagery to depict divine displeasure rather than an abstract emotional state.
This word appears 223 times, with significant usage in Jeremiah and Psalms. Translators often render it as wrath or anger, but occasionally as face or countenance when referring to a person’s presence. The term captures the intensity of God’s reaction to sin, portraying His holiness as active and responsive. It is not a distant judgment but a passionate engagement with human behavior.
The etymology links aph to the root anaf, meaning to be hot or angry. This linguistic root reinforces the idea that divine anger is not arbitrary rage but a focused response to injustice. By using a bodily term for God, the biblical writers emphasize that His reactions are real and significant, grounded in His character rather than fleeting mood.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word aph literally means nose or nostril, yet Scripture uses it to describe anger. This imagery connects physical breathing with emotional intensity. When we feel strong emotions, our breath changes. The biblical writers used this concrete image to show that God’s reaction to injustice is real and focused, not a distant or abstract concept.
Understanding aph helps us see the seriousness of sin in God’s eyes. It also highlights His mercy. Exodus 34:6 describes Him as slow to anger. This means He does not react impulsively. Instead, He responds with justice that is balanced by grace. We can trust that His displeasure is always rooted in love for what is right.
This word reminds us that God cares deeply about how we treat others. When we face conflict, we can look to His example. He invites us to respond with patience rather than hot temper. His anger against evil clears the way for His peace among people who seek forgiveness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 223 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] anger of52×
- anger/ his43×
- anger15×
- anger<s>14×
- anger/ your13×
- anger/ my13×
- face9×
- in/ anger/ my8×
- in/ anger/ his5×
- to/ face/ his4×
- in/ nose/ your3×
- in/ anger3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַף\־22×
- אַפּ֑/וֹ10×
- אַ֥ף10×
- אַפּ֔/וֹ9×
- אַפּֽ/וֹ\׃8×
- אַ֤ף8×
- אַ֣ף7×
- אָ֑ף6×
- אַפַּ֖יִם6×
- אַפּ֖/וֹ6×
- בְּ/אַפִּ֔/י4×
- אַפַּ֙יִם֙4×
Key Verses
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Exodus 34:6
Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,
This verse defines God’s character by pairing His wrath with mercy, showing that His anger is never arbitrary but always balanced with grace.
-
Genesis 30:2
Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”
Jacob’s anger here reveals human frustration when we try to force outcomes, contrasting sharply with God’s sovereign timing.
-
Exodus 32:19
As soon as he came near to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. Then Moses’ anger grew hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, and broke them beneath the mountain.
Moses’ broken tablets demonstrate how righteous indignation can lead to destructive action if not guided by prayerful intercession.
-
Genesis 49:7
Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Jacob’s blessing curses the fierce anger of his sons, showing that uncontrolled rage disrupts family unity and divine purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word aph mean?
Why does the Bible use body parts to describe God’s emotions?
How is aph different from other words for anger?
Does God’s anger mean He is unloving?
Every Occurrence (223 verses across 29 books)
Genesis 13 verses
Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a…
Genesis 3:19You will eat bread by the sweat of your face until you return to the ground, for you were taken out of it. For you are…
Genesis 7:22All on the dry land, in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died.
Genesis 19:1The two angels came to Sodom at evening. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them. He bowed…
Genesis 24:47I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to…
Genesis 27:45until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send, and get you…
Genesis 30:2Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the…
Genesis 39:19When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his…
Genesis 42:6Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came, and…
Genesis 44:18Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t…
Genesis 48:12Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
Genesis 49:6My soul, don’t come into their council. My glory, don’t be united to their assembly; for in their anger they killed…
Genesis 49:7Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter…