רְגַז

רְגַז

Definition

The noun רְגַז (rᵉgaz) refers to a state of agitation, wrath, or provocation, specifically denoting the act of inciting someone to anger. In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the divine wrath provoked by human disobedience. This Aramaic term corresponds directly to the Hebrew root רָגַז (rāgaz), which carries the core idea of trembling from strong emotion, whether anger, fear, or excitement. The word encapsulates the cause of the agitation—the provocation itself—rather than merely the emotional state.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezra 5:12, within an Aramaic section of the text. It appears in a historical recounting by Jewish elders, explaining that their ancestors provoked the God of heaven to wrath (לְרָגַז, lᵉrāgaz). The usage is in a context of national sin and its consequences, specifically linking the provocation of God's anger to the Babylonian exile as a divine judgment.

Etymology

רְגַז (rᵉgaz) is an Aramaic noun directly corresponding to the Hebrew verb רָגַז (H7264, rāgaz), meaning 'to be agitated,' 'to tremble,' or 'to be angry.' The root conveys a physical shaking or quivering due to intense emotion. The Aramaic form retains this semantic core, focusing on the provocation that causes such a stirred-up, wrathful state. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to trembling or rage.

Semantic Range

This word is significant for understanding the biblical concept of divine wrath as a response to human covenant unfaithfulness. Its single use in Ezra 5:12 directly connects national sin (idolatry, disobedience) with provoking God's righteous anger, resulting in the tangible consequence of exile. It underscores that God's wrath is not arbitrary but is provoked by specific actions that violate his holy character and commands. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the serious relational consequences of rebellion against God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, provoking a deity to anger was understood to bring national disaster, such as military defeat, famine, or exile. The statement in Ezra reflects a common theological understanding of the time: the fortunes of a people were directly tied to their standing with their god. The concept of a god being 'provoked' by human action was a shared cultural idea, though Israel's understanding was uniquely shaped by the covenant relationship with Yahweh. אַף (H639, 'ap̄) — Often translated 'nostril' or 'face,' but commonly means 'anger,' focusing on the burning, flaring emotion. חֵמָה (H2534, ḥēmâ) — 'Wrath' or 'heat,' emphasizing the burning, fierce intensity of anger. קֶצֶף (H7110, qeṣep̄) — 'Wrath' or 'rage,' often used for sudden outbursts of anger.

Word Details