חָרָה (cha.rah)
cha.rah
to be incensed
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 82 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb chârâh describes anger as a physical sensation of heat, literally meaning "to burn" or "to be kindled." In the Hebrew Bible, it is rarely used for cold, calculated rage; instead, it captures a sudden, intense flare-up of emotion. This imagery appears frequently when God’s wrath is described as being "kindled," such as in Exodus 32:11-12 when Moses pleads with Him not to burn against the people who made the golden calf.
While often translated simply as "be angry" or "be wroth," the word carries a nuance of visible intensity. It is frequently paired with "the nose" (aph), suggesting that anger causes one’s breath to become hot and short, much like an inflamed nostril. This vivid metaphor underscores the raw, uncontrolled nature of the emotion, whether it is Pharaoh’s fury in Genesis 45:5 or the Israelites’ frustration in Numbers 11:1.
Translators sometimes struggle with this term because chârâh can also express deep grief or vexation rather than just hostility. In Jonah 4:9, for instance, God asks if it is right for Jonah to be "hot" with anger over a plant, highlighting how the same physical heat of emotion can apply to personal disappointment as well as divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chârâh paints anger as a sudden flare of heat rather than cold calculation. This imagery helps us understand that strong emotions are often visceral reactions to perceived injustice or disappointment. When Scripture describes God’s anger burning, it highlights the seriousness of actions that break trust or harm community. Recognizing this intensity invites us to handle our own frustrations with care and humility.
In Genesis 45:5, Joseph uses this concept to ease his brothers’ guilt, reminding them that their painful past was part of a larger plan to preserve life. This perspective shifts the focus from blame to restoration. By acknowledging the heat of emotion without letting it consume us, we can navigate conflicts with grace and seek peace instead of revenge.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 82 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it burned43×
- it burn7×
- it burned5×
- you fret yourself4×
- it has burned4×
- does it burn4×
- and/ it will burn4×
- those/ [who] are angry2×
- zealously1×
- when/ burned1×
- to/ burn1×
- they were angry1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּֽחַר\־23×
- וַ/יִּ֥חַר6×
- חָרָ֣ה4×
- וַ/יִּ֣חַר4×
- יִ֤חַר3×
- וַ/יִּ֤חַר3×
- וַ/יִּ֖חַר3×
- תִּתְחַ֥ר2×
- יִ֥חַר2×
- יִ֙חַר֙2×
- חָרָ֥ה2×
- חָ֥רָה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 45:5
Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Joseph uses the concept of anger to reassure his brothers that their betrayal was part of God's plan to save lives, transforming a moment of potential conflict into one of reconciliation.
-
Exodus 32:10
Now therefore leave me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of you a great nation.”
God tells Moses His wrath is burning hot against the people for making the golden calf, illustrating the severe consequences of idolatry and broken covenant.
-
Genesis 4:6
Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen?
Yahweh asks Cain why he is angry, offering him a chance to reflect on his heart before his anger leads to further sin.
-
Numbers 11:1
The people were complaining in the ears of Yahweh. When Yahweh heard it, his anger burned; and Yahweh’s fire burned among them, and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.
The people’s complaining causes Yahweh’s anger to burn, showing how persistent dissatisfaction can provoke divine judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chârâh mean?
How is chârâh different from other words for anger?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (82 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 11 verses
but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell.
Genesis 4:6Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen?
Genesis 18:30He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?” He said, “I will not…
Genesis 18:32He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I…
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 31:35She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He…
Genesis 31:36Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly…
Genesis 34:7The sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it. The men were grieved, and they were very angry, because he…
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 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 45:5Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.