From H2196 (zaaph, 'to be angry/enraged'). Zaeph describes a state of intense, visible anger β the kind that shows on one's face and disrupts inner composure. It is used both of humans in sullen rage and of divine wrath in its fierce expression.
The Hebrew lexicon distinguishes many shades of anger. Zaeph carries the sense of raging displeasure that can be seen and felt. When Jonah was displeased in Nineveh's repentance, his countenance displayed zaeph. When a king's face became zaeph, everyone around him trembled. Theologically, this word points to the seriousness of sin β that it provokes genuine, visible divine displeasure. Yet the gospel declares that Christ bore God's wrath, turning away the consuming fire of divine zaeph from all who trust in Him.