חֱמָא

anger

Definition

חֱמָא (chĕmâʼ) is an Aramaic noun meaning 'anger,' specifically denoting a burning, intense fury or wrath. In the biblical Aramaic portions of Daniel, it describes the fierce, passionate anger of a king, as seen in Nebuchadnezzar's reaction to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's defiance (Daniel 3:13, 19). This word conveys not just mild displeasure but a heated, often destructive emotional state that prompts severe action. It corresponds directly to the Hebrew חֵמָה (H2534), which carries the same core sense of burning wrath.

Biblical Usage

This word appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel, both times describing King Nebuchadnezzar's rage. In Daniel 3:13, Nebuchadnezzar is 'in rage and fury' (בְּרֻגְז וְחֶמְאָה) when the three Jews refuse to worship his golden image. In Daniel 3:19, his facial expression changes 'with fury' (בְּחֶמְאָה), leading him to order the furnace heated seven times hotter. The usage is consistently tied to the provoked, volatile anger of a sovereign, highlighting its power and potential for judgment.

Etymology

חֱמָא is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew noun חֵמָה (H2534), both deriving from a root meaning 'to be hot.' This shared etymology underscores the concept of anger as a 'burning' or 'heated' emotion. The word entered the biblical text specifically in the Aramaic passages, reflecting the language of the Babylonian court during the exile. Its meaning is identical to its Hebrew counterpart, representing a direct linguistic parallel between the two languages used in Scripture.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it portrays the nature of divine wrath reflected in human rulers. Nebuchadnezzar's 'chĕmâʼ' serves as a human analogy for God's holy anger against disobedience and idolatry. Understanding this intense, burning fury enriches the reading of prophetic texts where God's חֵמָה is declared against sin. It reminds the reader that God's wrath is not a passive emotion but a active, righteous response, ultimately underscoring the seriousness of rebellion and the need for atonement.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's fury was a matter of life and death, representing his absolute power and the severe consequences of defying royal authority. Nebuchadnezzar's 'chĕmâʼ' would have been understood by the original audience as a terrifying and capricious force, justifying extreme punishments like execution by fire. This cultural backdrop heightens the dramatic faith of the three Jews, who trusted God even when facing the king's ultimate expression of wrath.

חֵמָה (chēmâ, H2534) — The direct Hebrew equivalent, also meaning 'burning anger' or 'fury,' used extensively in prophetic literature. אַף (ʼaph, H639) — Often translated 'nose' or 'face,' but commonly denotes anger as flaring nostrils, emphasizing the physical manifestation. קֶצֶף (qetseph, H7110) — Wrath or rage, often sudden outbursts of indignation. עֶבְרָה (ʻebrâh, H5678) — Overflowing fury or outburst, emphasizing intensity and violence.

Word Details

Scripture References