Lexical Summary ashan: smoke, angry, burn Original Word: עָשַׁן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be angry be on a smoke A primitive root; to smoke, whether literal or figurative -- be angry (be on a) smoke. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from ashan Definition to smoke, be angry NASB Translation angry (1), burn (1), smoke (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָשַׁן verb denominative smoke, be wroth; — Qal 1. a. smoke, Perfect3masculine singular ׳ע of mountain Exodus 19:18, so Imperfect3masculine plural יֶעֱשָׁ֑נוּ (at touch of ׳י) Psalm 104:32; Psalm 144:5. b. figurative, 3 masculine singular ׳יֶעְשַׁן אַףיֿ, with ב against, Deuteronomy 20:19; Psalm 74:1. Hence 2 subject person, fume, i.e.be wroth, Perfect2masculine singular ׳עָשַׁנְתָּ בּ Psalm 80:5. Topical Lexicon Word Group and Conceptual Background The verb עָשַׁן conveys the action of emitting smoke and, by extension, expresses the visible manifestation of intense heat, fire, or anger. In Scripture it is reserved for moments when the presence or passion of God is vividly on display, whether in gracious revelation or righteous indignation. The imagery is rich: smoke both conceals and reveals, obscuring vision while announcing that something powerful—often holy fire—is burning within. Distribution in the Old Testament The term appears six times, all in contexts that heighten awareness of the majesty or wrath of God: Smoke as Theophany Exodus 19:18 frames the inaugural use: “Now Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire”. Smoke functions as a vesture of divine holiness, shielding Israel from the unmediated brilliance of the LORD while simultaneously proving He is near. The phenomenon roots later prophetic and apocalyptic visions (Isaiah 6:4; Revelation 15:8), reminding readers that human access to God is always mediated—ultimately through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, the perfect Mediator. Smoke and Divine Anger Deuteronomy 29:20 warns that when covenant breakers persist, “the anger of the LORD and His jealousy will burn against that man.” The idiom is literally “will smoke,” portraying wrath as a furnace whose fumes escape before judgment breaks forth. The psalmists personalize this dread: “Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?” (Psalm 74:1); “How long will Your anger smoke against the prayer of Your people?” (Psalm 80:4). In both laments, smoke signals God’s displeasure while also inviting intercession. The community is driven to repentance, pleading that the fumes of wrath be replaced by the fragrance of restored fellowship. Creation and Sovereignty Psalm 104:32 celebrates divine sovereignty over creation: “He looks upon the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke.” A mere touch from the Creator turns granite into incense. Smoke here is not punitive but testimonial, revealing nature’s responsive awe. Psalm 144:5 echoes the motif in a plea for deliverance: “Touch the mountains, that they may smoke.” The psalmist invokes earlier theophanies, expecting fresh intervention against present enemies. Covenant and Worship Implications 1. Holiness requires mediation. Sinai’s smoke prefigures the incense-filled Holy Place and, ultimately, the cross. Prophetic and Eschatological Resonance Smoke accompanies final judgment and final salvation. Just as Sinai’s shaking pointed forward to “yet once more” (Hebrews 12:26), the smoky mountains of Psalm 144 anticipate the cosmic upheaval at Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:10). For believers, the image calls for sober readiness and confident hope. Practical Application for Ministry • Preaching: Use the smoke motif to underscore both the severity of divine judgment and the wonder of divine condescension. Key Reflections Smoke in Scripture is never mere atmosphere; it is the living witness of a God who reveals Himself in holiness and acts in covenant faithfulness. Whether enveloping a mountain, expressing anger, or marking creative sovereignty, the smoke that rises from the divine presence calls every generation to awe, repentance, and trust. Forms and Transliterations וְֽיֶעֱשָֽׁנוּ׃ ויעשנו׃ יֶעְשַׁ֥ן יֶעְשַׁ֨ן יעשן עָ֝שַׁ֗נְתָּ עָשַׁ֣ן עשן עשנת ‘ā·šan ‘ā·šan·tā ‘āšan ‘āšantā aShan aShanta VeyeeShanu wə·ye·‘ĕ·šā·nū wəye‘ĕšānū ye‘·šan ye‘šan yeShanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 19:18 HEB: וְהַ֤ר סִינַי֙ עָשַׁ֣ן כֻּלּ֔וֹ מִ֠פְּנֵי NAS: [was] all in smoke because KJV: Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because INT: now Mount Sinai smoke all accept Deuteronomy 29:20 Psalm 74:1 Psalm 80:4 Psalm 104:32 Psalm 144:5 6 Occurrences |
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