זָעַף (za.aph)
za.aph
to enrage
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zaaph describes a state of intense irritation or anger that often manifests as visible distress. It is not merely an internal feeling but something that shows on the face, conveying a sense of being vexed, fretful, or deeply troubled. The sources indicate it can mean to be enraged, but also carries the nuance of looking sad or perplexed, suggesting a turmoil that affects one’s outward demeanor.
This word appears in only four verses, primarily in Proverbs and Chronicles. In Proverbs 15:4, for instance, it describes how gentle words bring healing, while a deceitful tongue causes the heart to be zaaph—rendered bitter or agitated. The imagery suggests that such anger leaves a person looking troubled or out of sorts, highlighting the physical toll of inner strife on relationships and personal peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zaaph describes a deep, visible agitation that settles on the face when the heart is troubled. It is more than simple annoyance; it is a state of intense irritation that shows in our expression and demeanor. When we carry hidden bitterness or deceit, this unrest often becomes apparent to those around us, affecting our peace and our relationships.
In Proverbs 19:3, we see how human foolishness can lead the heart to rage against God. This inner turmoil does not stay hidden. It manifests as a troubled countenance, reminding us that our spiritual state has physical consequences. Gentle words and honest living bring healing, while deceit brings this heavy burden of agitation.
Uzziah’s story in II Chronicles 26 shows the danger of letting anger override reverence. His visible distress was a sign of divine correction for his pride. We are invited to examine our own hearts, seeking peace through humility and trust rather than allowing frustration to take root in our souls.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- looking thin1×
- looking dejected1×
- it rages1×
- and/ when/ enraging/ he1×
- and/ he was enraged1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִזְעַ֥ף1×
- זֹעֲפִֽים\׃1×
- זֹֽעֲפִ֗ים1×
- וּ/בְ/זַעְפּ֣/וֹ1×
- וַ/יִּזְעַף֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 40:6
Joseph came in to them in the morning, and saw them, and saw that they were sad.
This verse uses zaaph to describe Joseph noticing that the prisoners were visibly sad or troubled, highlighting the word's nuance of outward distress.
-
II Chronicles 26:19
Then Uzziah was angry. He had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and while he was angry with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in Yahweh’s house, beside the altar of incense.
Here the term marks Uzziah’s visible anger and leprosy as a direct consequence of his prideful rage against God’s priests.
-
Proverbs 19:3
The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.
The verse links human foolishness to an internal raging that ultimately turns the heart away from Yahweh, showing the spiritual root of this agitation.