or (feminine) גַּחֶלֶת; from an unused root meaning to glow or kindle; an ember; (burning) coal.
Transliteration:gechel
Pronunciation:geh'-khel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גֶּחֶל (H1513, *gechel*) and its more common feminine form גַּחֶלֶת (*gacheleth*) derive from an unused root signifying "to glow" or "to kindle." Its primary meaning is an "ember" or "burning coal." This refers not to an active flame, but to the glowing, incandescent residue of wood or other combustible material after it has burned, retaining intense heat and often a reddish light. The semantic range is quite focused on this physical state, emphasizing sustained heat and the potential for rekindling or causing further burning. It denotes a state of smoldering intensity rather than explosive conflagration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1513 appears approximately 15 times in the Old Testament, with the feminine form גַּחֶלֶת being more prevalent. Its usage spans both literal and highly figurative contexts:
* **Literal Use:** In [[Leviticus 16:12]], "coals of fire" are explicitly commanded for the censer on the Day of Atonement, highlighting their necessity for the ritual burning of incense before the Lord. This demonstrates their practical use in ancient worship.
* **Divine Manifestation & Judgment:** A prominent figurative use depicts "coals of fire" as an instrument or manifestation of divine wrath and judgment. In the theophany described in [[2 Samuel 22:9]] and [[Psalm 18:8]], smoke and "coals of fire" issue from God's nostrils, illustrating His fierce anger. Similarly, [[Psalm 18:12]] and [[Psalm 18:13]] speak of "coals of fire" breaking forth from the clouds, signifying divine judgment upon the wicked. This imagery underscores God's power and consuming holiness.
* **Purification:** Perhaps one of the most striking uses is in [[Isaiah 6:6]], where a seraph takes a "live coal" (גַּחֶלֶת) from the altar with tongs and touches Isaiah's lips, cleansing him of his sin. Here, the "coal" is an agent of purification and consecration, enabling the prophet to stand in God's presence and speak His word.
* **Ethical Conduct:** [[Proverbs 25:22]] advises, "if your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you." This proverb uses the imagery of "coals of fire" metaphorically to describe the effect of overwhelming kindness on an adversary, potentially leading to shame and repentance, or perhaps even a more severe, divinely-administered judgment if they remain unrepentant. [[Proverbs 26:21]] also uses the term in relation to contention, "As coals are to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife."
* **Figurative Descriptions:** In [[Job 41:21]], the Leviathan's breath is described as kindling "coals," emphasizing its terrifying, fiery nature. [[Psalm 120:4]] speaks of "coals of juniper" as a metaphor for the destructive power of a deceitful tongue.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word H1513 is intrinsically linked to other terms related to fire and heat. The most direct connection is to `{{H784}}` (אֵשׁ, *'esh*), meaning "fire," as coals are the product of fire. Other related concepts include:
* `{{H3857}}` (לֶהָבָה, *lehavah*), "flame," which represents a more active, visible form of fire, distinct from the smoldering ember.
* `{{H2787}}` (חָרָר, *charar*), "to be hot" or "to burn," an unused root that captures the essence of the heat associated with coals.
* `{{H8316}}` (שָׁרַף, *saraph*), "to burn," often used in the context of consuming by fire.
* Concepts of divine judgment, purification, and theophany are frequently associated with fire and its derivatives, including coals, throughout the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1513 is multifaceted, reflecting both God's nature and human experience:
* **Divine Holiness and Presence:** The "coals of fire" in the divine throne room or accompanying God's appearance (e.g., [[Psalm 18:8]]) underscore His unapproachable holiness and consuming nature ([[Deuteronomy 4:24]]). They represent the intense, purifying, and sometimes terrifying aspect of God's presence.
* **Judgment and Wrath:** As instruments of divine wrath, coals symbolize the inevitable and destructive consequences of rebellion against God. They are a vivid metaphor for the severity of divine justice.
* **Purification and Atonement:** The "live coal" touching Isaiah's lips in [[Isaiah 6:6]] is a profound symbol of God's power to cleanse and purify. It demonstrates that even the most defiled can be made holy through divine intervention, enabling them for service. This act is intrinsically linked to the altar, the place of atonement.
* **Ethical Response and Reconciliation:** The command to "heap coals of fire" on an enemy's head in [[Proverbs 25:22]] presents a challenging ethical paradox. While some interpret it as causing shame leading to repentance, others see it as an act of overwhelming kindness that ultimately leaves the enemy open to divine judgment if they remain hardened. Regardless, it calls for a response of proactive goodness towards adversaries, consistent with broader biblical themes of love and mercy.
* **Worship and Ritual:** The use of coals for incense in the Tabernacle/Temple ([[Leviticus 16:12]]) highlights their integral role in sacred ritual, connecting the physical element to the spiritual act of worship and the presence of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1513 (גֶּחֶל/גַּחֶלֶת) denotes an "ember" or "burning coal," signifying sustained heat and glowing intensity. Its biblical occurrences range from literal applications in ritual (e.g., incense for atonement) to powerful figurative expressions. Theologically, "coals of fire" serve as a potent symbol of God's consuming holiness, His righteous judgment, and His purifying power, as seen in the cleansing of Isaiah. Furthermore, the ethical injunction to "heap coals of fire" on an enemy's head in Proverbs offers a profound insight into the transformative power of kindness or the inevitable consequence of unrepentant malice. This simple word thus carries a rich and multifaceted symbolic weight, illuminating both divine attributes and human moral responsibilities within the biblical narrative.
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