The meaning of “אַף”
Understanding ʼaph reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostr...
אַף
anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. - properly, the nose or nostril - hence, the face, and occasionally a person - also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 30:2 | “And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?” Word: אַף (ʼaph) | |
| 1 Samuel 20:41 | “And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.” Word: אַף (ʼaph) | |
| Ezra 10:14 | “Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.” Word: אַף (ʼaph) | |
| Isaiah 13:9 | “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” Word: אַף (ʼaph) | |
| Joel 2:13 | “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Word: אַף (ʼaph) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Wrath
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Wrath, anger
The Hebrew aph (אַף) literally means 'nose' or 'nostrils,' idiomatically expressing wrath or anger—God's righteous indignation against sin. Yet God is 'slow to anger' (Exodus 34:6) and 'abundant in mercy.'
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Wrath, anger
The Greek orgē (ὀργή) means wrath—settled, righteous anger against sin. Believers are 'saved from wrath through him' (Romans 5:9), as Christ bore God's wrath on the cross, satisfying divine justice.