תַּחָרָה (ta.cha.rah)
ta.cha.rah
to contend
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tacharah describes a state of intense agitation, specifically meaning to burn or be kindled with anger. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Jeremiah, where it captures the visceral heat of divine wrath or human vexation. The word conveys more than simple irritation; it suggests an internal fire that has been lit, often leading to a heated confrontation.
In its specific usage, the term is linked to the idea of heating oneself in anger. Jeremiah uses this imagery to describe God’s reaction to Judah’s rebellion, portraying divine displeasure as a consuming flame. The sources note a related sense of striving or contending eagerly, akin to racing against horses or competing for status, which adds a layer of active struggle to the emotional heat. This connection highlights how anger can drive vigorous, sometimes reckless, action.
Understanding tacharah helps readers grasp the intensity of the prophets’ messages. When Jeremiah speaks of God’s anger burning, he is not describing a cold judgment but a passionate response to broken covenant relationships. The word reminds us that in biblical theology, divine emotion is real and powerful, reflecting a deep commitment to justice and righteousness rather than mere human caprice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tacharah paints a vivid picture of anger as an internal fire. It describes a state where emotions burn hot enough to provoke intense striving or contention. In Jeremiah, this imagery captures both human agitation and divine displeasure, showing that anger is not just a fleeting mood but a powerful force that drives action.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that our emotions are real and significant. When we feel the heat of frustration or the urge to compete, we can recognize these feelings as part of our human experience. The biblical narrative does not dismiss anger but places it within the context of justice and covenant relationships.
Understanding this intensity helps us approach difficult situations with greater awareness. Instead of suppressing our feelings or acting recklessly, we can bring them before God. This word invites us to examine what is fueling our inner fires and to seek a response that aligns with wisdom and peace rather than mere reaction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will you compete1×
- [are] competing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּתַֽחֲרֶ֖ה1×
- מְתַחֲרֶ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 12:5
“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? Though in a land of peace you are secure, yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan?
This verse uses the concept of contention to challenge Jeremiah’s faith, asking how he will handle greater trials if smaller ones already exhaust him.
-
Jeremiah 22:15
“Should you reign because you strive to excel in cedar? Didn’t your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.
Here the word highlights the king’s prideful striving for status through cedar, contrasting his aggressive ambition with the justice his father practiced.