Lexical Summary akzeriyyuth: Cruelty, harshness, ruthlessness Original Word: אַכְזְרִיּוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cruel From 'akzariy; fierceness -- cruel. see HEBREW 'akzariy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as akzar Definition cruelty, fierceness NASB Translation fierce (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַכְזְרִיּוּת noun feminine cruelty, fierceness, only חֵמָה וְשֶׁטֶף אָ֑ף ׳א Proverbs 27:4 fierceness of rage and outpouring of anger. Topical Lexicon Term and Semantics אַכְזְרִיּוּת denotes “cruelty” or “fierceness,” the brutal quality that delights in hurting others or is indifferent to the suffering it causes. While related forms (אַכְזָרִי) describe persons or acts, the abstract noun pinpoints the inner disposition from which ruthless behavior springs. Biblical Occurrence and Literary Context The word appears a single time, in Proverbs 27:4. The sage sets a descending scale of destructive forces: “Wrath is fierce, and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” (Proverbs 27:4) Here “wrath” (חֵמָה) is qualified by אַכְזְרִיּוּת to emphasize its relentless, savage nature. Yet even such cruelty is eclipsed by jealousy, whose consuming power leaves no refuge. The verse teaches that unchecked passions escalate: irritation becomes fury, fury hardens into cruelty, and jealousy surpasses them all. Theological Significance 1. Contradiction to Divine Character: Scripture repeatedly affirms God’s compassion and covenant love (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 145:8-9). Cruelty is therefore anti-theistic; it misrepresents the God whose image humanity bears (Genesis 1:27). Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, cruelty was common in warfare, slave labor, and judicial punishment. Assyrian annals proudly record atrocities meant to terrorize. Against this backdrop, the Wisdom tradition’s condemnation of cruelty in private life is striking. Proverbs addresses everyday interpersonal relationships, insisting that brutality, even in the heat of anger, is incompatible with covenant living. Practical and Pastoral Implications • Self-examination: Believers must discern progressive stages of sin. A flare of irritation, if nursed, may harden into cruelty. Early repentance prevents entrenched patterns. Christological Perspective Cruelty reached its apex at the Cross, where soldiers mocked, scourged, and crucified the Son of God (Matthew 27:27-31). Yet Jesus broke the cycle by absorbing cruelty and responding with forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). His resurrection vindicates righteousness and promises final judgment on all cruelty (Revelation 21:8) while extending grace to repentant wrongdoers. Related Concepts in Scripture • Wrath (חֵמָה / orge): often sudden, may be righteous or sinful. Cruelty combines wrath and violence with a heart hardened to empathy, making it particularly odious in God’s sight. Summary אַכְזְרִיּוּת exposes the savage extreme of unrestrained human passion. Though attested only once, the concept reverberates through Scripture as a warning and a call: to reject hardness of heart, reflect God’s compassion, and trust the One who conquers cruelty with redeeming love. Forms and Transliterations אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת אכזריות ’aḵ·zə·rî·yūṯ ’aḵzərîyūṯ achzeriYutLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 27:4 HEB: אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת חֵ֭מָה וְשֶׁ֣טֶף NAS: Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, KJV: Wrath [is] cruel, and anger INT: is fierce Wrath flood 1 Occurrence |
    |