### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun בְּעֵרָה (bᵉʻêrâh), Strong's number `{{H1200}}`, is derived from the verbal root בָּעַר (ba'ar), `{{H1197}}`, which fundamentally means "to burn," "to consume," or "to kindle." As a noun, בְּעֵרָה thus denotes "a burning," "combustion," or "fire" itself, particularly emphasizing the act or event of burning. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the physical phenomenon of fire, often implying a destructive or consuming force, rather than the substance of fire (which is more commonly אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`). It describes the incident of fire breaking out and its subsequent action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word בְּעֵרָה (bᵉʻêrâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Exodus.
* **[[Exodus 22:6]] (English Exodus 22:5):** "If fire breaks out and spreads to thorns so that stacked grain or standing grain or a field is consumed, he who started the fire must make full restitution."
* In this sole occurrence, בְּעֵרָה refers to an "outbreak of fire" or "a burning" that occurs accidentally or through negligence. The context is a legal statute within the Mosaic Law, addressing civil liability for damage to property. The verse outlines the responsibility of an individual whose fire, perhaps set for clearing land or for warmth, spreads uncontrollably and destroys another's crops or field. The emphasis is on the destructive consequence of such an incident and the imperative for the responsible party to make full restitution. This highlights God's concern for justice, property rights, and accountability within the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for בְּעֵרָה is its root verb:
* **בָּעַר (ba'ar)** `{{H1197}}`: The verb "to burn," "to consume," "to kindle." This root is frequently used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe the action of fire, whether for sacrifice, judgment, or destruction.
Other related words for "fire" or "burning" include:
* **אֵשׁ (esh)** `{{H784}}`: The most common and general Hebrew word for "fire" as a substance or element. While בְּעֵרָה describes the *event* or *act* of burning, אֵשׁ refers to the fire itself.
* **לֶהָבָה (lehavah)** `{{H3852}}`: "Flame" or "blazing fire," emphasizing the visible aspect of fire.
* **אוּר (ur)** `{{H217}}`: Another term for "fire" or "light," often found in ancient contexts or proper names (e.g., Ur of the Chaldeans).
Conceptually, בְּעֵרָה is linked to themes of:
* **Destruction and Consumption:** The inherent power of fire to destroy and consume.
* **Negligence and Responsibility:** As seen in its legal context in Exodus, emphasizing accountability for actions.
* **Restitution:** The requirement to compensate for damage caused.
### Theological Significance
While בְּעֵרָה (bᵉʻêrâh) itself appears in a very practical, legal context in [[Exodus 22:6]], its presence underscores several important theological principles. Firstly, it reveals God's meticulous concern for justice and the well-being of the community. Even accidental damage caused by fire is not to be overlooked; the one responsible must make full restitution. This reflects the divine standard of righteousness and the sanctity of property within the covenant.
Secondly, though limited to a specific legal statute, בְּעֵרָה implicitly points to the broader biblical understanding of fire as a powerful, consuming force. In Scripture, fire is often a symbol of:
* **Divine Presence and Holiness:** As seen in the burning bush [[Exodus 3:2]] and the pillar of fire [[Exodus 13:21]], signifying God's awesome and unapproachable holiness.
* **Divine Judgment and Wrath:** Fire is frequently an instrument of divine judgment, consuming the wicked or bringing about destruction, as in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah [[Genesis 19:24]] or the refining fire of the Lord [[Malachi 4:1]].
* **Purification and Refinement:** Fire is also used to purify and test, refining precious metals and, by analogy, the faith of God's people [[Zechariah 13:9]].
* **Zeal and Passion:** A fervent, consuming spiritual passion is sometimes described as fire within the bones [[Jeremiah 20:9]].
In the context of [[Exodus 22:6]], בְּעֵרָה highlights the destructive potential of fire in a mundane setting, a power that, when uncontrolled, leads to loss and requires divine regulation through law. This practical application of fire's destructive nature serves as a microcosm of the larger theological implications of fire as an agent of both divine power and human responsibility.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun בְּעֵרָה (bᵉʻêrâh), `{{H1200}}`, derived from the verb בָּעַר (ba'ar) `{{H1197}}` ("to burn, consume"), signifies "a burning" or "an outbreak of fire." Its single occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Exodus 22:6]], places it within the context of Mosaic civil law. There, it describes an accidental fire that causes damage to property, mandating full restitution from the responsible party. This usage underscores God's divine concern for justice, accountability, and the protection of property within the covenant community. While rare in its direct appearance, בְּעֵרָה points to the destructive aspect of fire, a powerful force that holds significant theological weight throughout Scripture, symbolizing divine presence, judgment, purification, and human responsibility.
TRV