Countenance: Angry
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In the Bible, the concept of an "angry countenance" is often associated with expressions of displeasure, wrath, or divine judgment. The countenance, or facial expression, serves as a window into the emotions and intentions of the heart. An angry countenance can reflect both human and divine anger, each carrying significant theological implications.

Human Anger:

Human anger, as depicted in the Scriptures, is frequently portrayed as a natural but potentially dangerous emotion. In Genesis 4:5-6, we see the first mention of an angry countenance in the account of Cain and Abel: "but for Cain and his offering, He had no regard. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?'" . Here, Cain's fallen countenance is a visible sign of his inner turmoil and jealousy, which ultimately leads to the first murder.

Proverbs 25:23 states, "As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings an angry countenance" . This proverb highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between words and emotions, suggesting that slander and gossip can provoke anger and alter one's countenance.

Divine Anger:

The Bible also speaks of God's anger, which is always righteous and just. God's angry countenance is often depicted in the context of judgment against sin and rebellion. In Psalm 80:16, the psalmist laments, "Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at Your rebuke, Your people perish" . Here, the imagery of God's rebuke and the resulting destruction reflect His righteous anger towards the unfaithfulness of His people.

In Isaiah 13:13, the prophet describes a time of divine judgment: "Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts, in the day of His burning anger" . This passage underscores the power and seriousness of God's anger, which is capable of shaking the very foundations of creation.

Theological Implications:

The Bible warns against the dangers of human anger, urging believers to exercise self-control and seek reconciliation. Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold" . This instruction acknowledges that while anger itself is not inherently sinful, it can lead to sin if not managed properly.

In contrast, God's anger is always portrayed as a response to sin and injustice, reflecting His holiness and righteousness. Believers are called to understand and respect the seriousness of divine anger, recognizing it as a call to repentance and obedience.

In summary, the concept of an angry countenance in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional and spiritual realities that underlie human and divine interactions. Whether reflecting human emotions or divine judgment, an angry countenance is a significant biblical motif that calls for careful reflection and response.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 25:23
The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
4659. skuthropos -- with a gloomy look
... From skuthros (sullen) and a derivative of optanomai; angry-visaged, ie Gloomy or
affecting a mournful appearance -- of a sad countenance. see GREEK optanomai. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4659.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
639. aph -- a nostril, nose, face, anger
... 1), snout (1), wrath (8), wrath with his anger (1). angry, before, countenance,
face, forbearing, forehead, longsuffering, nose,. ...
/hebrew/639.htm - 6k
Library

An Explanation of Three Things which Most of all Might be Likely ...
... provoke Thy anger! Woe is me! How very terrible is Thy angry countenance,
how very intolerable Thy ungentle averted looks! So full of ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter viii an explanation of.htm

How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with ...
... our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance;" and
so ... The soul that is wrestling with an angry God for sin, and would make use ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvii how shall one.htm

Of the Cause of Cain's Crime and his Obstinacy, which not Even the ...
... But he was wroth, and his countenance fell. This angry regret for another person's
goodness, even his brother's, was charged upon him by God as a great sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the cause of.htm

Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts
... ye cursed;" but they are altogether terrified by the look of that august countenance. ...
being grieved for the hardness of their hearts." He was angry that they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/jesus angry with hard hearts.htm

The Criminal and his Relation to Society.
... Therefore, Cain was very angry and his countenance fell. And Jehovah said to
Cain,. Why art thou angry? And why is thy countenance fallen? ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study iii the criminal and.htm

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ...
... gently sang the Lady Philosophy with dignified mien and grave countenance; and when ...
men ought to be brought, by accusers kindly rather than angry, to justice ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iv thus gently sang.htm

Now was the Day Come Wherein I was in Deed to be Freed of My...
... And we would say, and they hear, The light of Thy countenance is sealed upon us. ...
For there, where I was angry within myself in my chamber, where I was inwardly ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iv now was the.htm

Signs, their Nature and Variety.
... And the countenance of an angry or sorrowful man indicates the feeling in his mind,
independently of his will: and in the same way every other emotion of the ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 1 signs their nature and.htm

Now Some Signs are Natural, Others Conventional. Natural Signs are ...
... And the countenance of an angry or sorrowful man indicates the feeling in his mind,
independently of his will: and in the same way every other emotion of the ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 2 now some signs.htm

Another Sermon of M. Latimer, Concerning the Same Matter.
... The first card declared, that you should not kill, which might be done divers ways;
as being angry with your neighbour, in mind, in countenance, in word, or ...
/.../sermons on the card and other discourses/another sermon of m latimer.htm

Resources
What is a benediction in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Countenance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Countenance

Countenance: Angry

Countenance: Cheerful

Countenance: Fierce

Countenance: Guilty

Countenance: Health Indicated In

Countenance: Pride In

Countenance: Reading of

Countenance: Sad

Countenance: Transfigured

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Laugh (23 Occurrences)

Looking (883 Occurrences)

Lovely (19 Occurrences)

Laughed (27 Occurrences)

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Gladdened (4 Occurrences)

Glistening (4 Occurrences)

Gat (21 Occurrences)

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Wear (56 Occurrences)

Wealthy (22 Occurrences)

Wealth (340 Occurrences)

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Ebony (2 Occurrences)

Effulgent (1 Occurrence)

Different (87 Occurrences)

Dismissest (1 Occurrence)

Downcast (11 Occurrences)

Countenance
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