כָּעַס (ka.as)
ka.as
to provoke
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 44 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb kaas describes a state of being vexed, indignant, or angry. In its basic form, it captures the internal experience of grief or irritation, often arising from frustration with difficult circumstances or people. The sources note its use in contexts where individuals feel deeply troubled by their surroundings, such as Solomon’s reflection on how much wisdom increases sorrow and vexation (Ecclesiastes 1:18).
When used in the intensive stems, the meaning shifts toward active provocation. It frequently appears in historical books to describe actions that incite divine wrath. For instance, the kings of Israel are repeatedly recorded as having provoked the Lord to anger through their idolatry (1 Kings 16:2; 2 Kings 23:26). This usage highlights a relational breach where human behavior actively disturbs the peace between God and His people.
A key distinction lies in its application to interpersonal conflict. The word can describe the irritation caused by a contentious spouse, as seen in Proverbs 17:25 and 21:19, where a quarrelsome wife is likened to vexation itself. This concrete imagery shows that kaas applies not only to spiritual rebellion but also to the daily friction of human relationships.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kaas captures the sharp sting of provocation, whether it is the quiet irritation of a difficult relationship or the serious breach of trust that angers God. In Proverbs, it describes the vexation caused by conflict at home, reminding us that our words and actions have real emotional weight. When we irritate those around us, we create friction that disrupts peace and joy.
Scripture also uses this term to describe how idolatry and rebellion provoke the Lord. This is not a casual annoyance but a deep disturbance of the covenant relationship. God’s anger arises because sin breaks the bond of trust He established with His people. Recognizing this helps us see that our choices matter deeply in our walk with Him.
Understanding kaas invites us to examine where we might be causing unnecessary strife or turning away from God’s ways. It calls for a heart that seeks reconciliation and faithfulness. By avoiding actions that provoke anger, we protect our relationships and honor the One who desires our wholehearted devotion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 44 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ provoke to anger/ him6×
- to/ provoke to anger/ me5×
- to provoke to anger/ me5×
- to/ provoke to anger4×
- provoking to anger2×
- and/ they provoked to anger2×
- you must provoke to anger1×
- you have provoked to anger1×
- who/ provoke to anger1×
- to/ provoke anger1×
- to/ provoke [him] to anger1×
- to/ become angry1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הַכְעִיסֽ/וֹ\׃4×
- מַכְעִסִ֖ים2×
- לְ/הַכְעִסֵ֔/נִי2×
- לְ/הַכְעִ֗יס2×
- הַכְעִסֵֽ/נִי\׃2×
- הַכְעִיסֵ֔/נִי2×
- תַּכְעִסֶ֑/נָּה1×
- תַכְעִ֤יסוּ1×
- מַכְעִסִ֥ים1×
- מַכְעִיסִ֖ים1×
- לִ/כְע֑וֹס1×
- לְ/הַכְעִסֵ֙/נִי֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 1:6
Her rival provoked her severely, to irritate her, because Yahweh had shut up her womb.
This verse shows kaas in a personal context, describing how persistent provocation by a rival caused deep emotional pain and physical distress to Hannah.
-
Deuteronomy 9:18
I fell down before Yahweh, as at the first, forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all your sin which you sinned, in doing that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger.
Here Moses recalls his intercession for Israel, linking the people’s specific evil actions directly to the act of provoking Yahweh’s anger.
-
I Kings 16:2
“Because I exalted you out of the dust and made you prince over my people Israel, and you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins,
This passage highlights how royal leadership in sin actively provoked God by leading the entire nation into idolatry and rebellion.
-
II Kings 23:26
Notwithstanding, Yahweh didn’t turn from the fierceness of his great wrath, with which his anger burned against Judah, because of all the provocation with which Manasseh had provoked him.
The text emphasizes that Manasseh’s specific provocations were so severe that they prevented God from turning away His fierce wrath against Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kaas mean in the Bible?
How is kaas different from other words for anger?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (44 verses across 10 books)
Deuteronomy 5 verses
When you father children and children’s children, and you have been long in the land, and then corrupt yourselves, and…
Deuteronomy 9:18I fell down before Yahweh, as at the first, forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water, because…
Deuteronomy 31:29For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn away from the way which I have commanded…
Deuteronomy 32:16They moved him to jealousy with strange gods. They provoked him to anger with abominations.
Deuteronomy 32:21They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God. They have provoked me to anger with their vanities. I will…