STUDIES IN ANGER, HUMAN AND DIVINE – PART 1

                                    July 27, 2005

 

I. Anger- definition: mild to strong displeasure involving a range of emotional

states often negative in context due to the thwarting of a goal-seeking activity

 

1) There is a range of states of anger-

fury = frenzied rage bordering on madness

  indignation = righteous anger aroused by a perceived injustice

   resentment = ill will flowing from a sense of grievance

   wrath = deep indignation expressing itself in desire to get revenge

     rage = violent outburst of anger where self-control is lost

2) some related states would include- peeved, irritated, annoyed,irk

 

Which of the above have you experienced in the last few days and what was the circumstance?

 

II. Anger is part of the image of God found in man- see Genesis 1:27—it is part of the capacity for an emotional state found in the human soul.  Generally speaking, we say the soul has 3 capacities (some call them faculties):

  Mentality—ability to think, perceive or reason

   Emotion- ability to feel or appreciate pleasant and unpleasant circumstances

     Volition- ability to choose right or wrong

  God made man with these capacities as expressive of the divine “image” or likeness.  Psa.139:14 speaks of mankind as “fearfully and wonderfully made”

involving both the seen and unseen aspects of humanity.  It is well-documented that the human experience of anger involves both physical and psychological

aspects.

 

1) Scripture reveals God’s displeasure at sin and evil through anger.  Almost half the verses on anger reflect God’s anger.  Here are Hebrew words from OT for

anger:  (all are KJV words, except where noted)

 

  English               Hebrew         Reference                 Meaning

1-Wroth                 khaw-raw       Gen.4:5-6 (Cain)       blaze, hot

Anger (NKJV & NIV)

2- Wrath was kindled  anep          Gen.39:19 (Potipher)   (nostril), anger

 NIV-burned with anger

* This word, “anep”, is used in 1^st appearance of divine anger- Ex.4:14

3-anger                   ka’ as          Deut.4:25                 agitate (love offended)

4- anger                paw-neem      Psa.21:9               (face), turn (appearance of

                                                                                   emotion)

5-anger                 za’ am            Psa.38:3                  indignation

NASV-indignation

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English                  Hebrew             Reference             Meaning

6-anger                  na’as                  Isaiah 1:4         contempt

7-wrath                khaw-rone            Exodus 15:7         burning, fierce

NIV- burning anger, NEB- fury

8-wrath                khaw-tsaf             Lev.10:6              (crack, burst) anger

NIV-angry

9-wrath                hema                Numbers 25:11    hot,displeasure, rage, fury

NIV-anger

10-wrath              re-gaz               Ezra 5:12           quake, quiver, rage

NIV-angered

11-wrath              eb-raw            Job 21:30           overflow, fierceness of wrath

NAS-fury

 

2) Therefore, man (made in God’s image) has a capacity for anger as well.

However, such anger is used by the sin nature (Gal.5:19-21) and directed toward one’s self, toward one’s fellow man, or toward God Himself.  In each of these ways, anger is destructive and voids harmony.

 

3) As an expression of justice in reaction against unrighteousness, anger is appropriate- see Jesus in Mark 3:5- anger =orgas- a settled condition of anger

Daniel 2:12- Nebuchanezzar (use of Chaldean)      Neh.5:6 - #7 above

 

4) In its function, anger acts as a motivator to give impetus to a decision.

It may sustain or re-enforce an activity already underway.  Our temperament

is the characteristic level of reactivity we possess; whereas, our mood is the

more the temporary state of reactivity.

 See inappropriate anger as motivator- Esther 3:1-6- related to #7 and #8

 See appropriate anger as motivator- John 2:13-17