### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dâlaq**, represented by `{{H1814}}`, is a primitive root meaning to flame, either literally or figuratively. It is translated in various ways, including **burning, chase, inflame, kindle, persecute,** and **pursue hotly**. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses, highlighting its specific and intense applications in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H1814}}` carries a dual meaning of both literal fire and figurative, heated pursuit. It describes the aggressive, hostile action of enemies, as when the wicked **persecute** the poor [[Psalms 10:2]] or when persecutors **pursued** the people upon the mountains [[Lamentations 4:19]]. This sense of urgent pursuit is also seen when Jacob confronts Laban for having so **hotly pursued** after him [[Genesis 31:36]]. In a literal sense, the word is used in the command to "heap on wood, **kindle** the fire" [[Ezekiel 24:10]] and prophetically when the house of Jacob is said to **kindle** in the house of Esau like a fire in stubble [[Obadiah 1:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H1814}}` is used:
* `{{H7291}}` **râdaph** (to run after): This root is used for the act of persecution itself, often in parallel with `{{H1814}}`. It means to chase or follow with hostile intent, as seen when Israel's **persecutors** `{{H7291}}` hotly **pursued** `{{H1814}}` them [[Lamentations 4:19]].
* `{{H7563}}` **râshâʻ** (wicked): This term identifies the moral character of those who perform the action of persecuting. In [[Psalm 10:2]], it is the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` who, in their pride, **persecute** `{{H1814}}` the poor.
* `{{H2787}}` **chârar** (to glow, burn, dry up): This word is used alongside `{{H1814}}` in the context of literal fire. In Ezekiel's prophetic act, the command is to **kindle** `{{H1814}}` the fire and let the bones be **burned** `{{H2787}}`, showing a direct relationship between starting a fire and its consuming effect.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H1814}}` is significant, illustrating intensity in several domains:
* **The Heat of Persecution:** The word connects the hostility of an enemy with the physical properties of a consuming flame. The act of chasing is not merely following but a "hot pursuit" [[Genesis 31:36]] and a "burning" persecution that aims to consume its target.
* **The Fire of Divine Judgment:** `{{H1814}}` is used to depict God's judgment enacted through his people. The house of Jacob will **kindle** upon and devour Esau, an act initiated because "the LORD hath spoken it" [[Obadiah 1:18]]. The command to **kindle** a fire in [[Ezekiel 24:10]] is also a symbol of impending divine reckoning.
* **The Flame of Sinful Passion:** The term describes the internal, destructive heat of sin. Wine is said to **inflame** those who pursue it [[Isaiah 5:11]], and deceptive speech is characterized by **burning** lips that come from a wicked heart [[Proverbs 26:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1814}}` is a powerful and vivid word that encapsulates the concept of intense, consuming heat. It is applied to both the literal act of kindling a fire and the figurative passion of hot pursuit, whether in hostile persecution, divine judgment, or sinful indulgence. Through its usage, scripture illustrates how a single concept of "flaming" can define the nature of conflict, justice, and human desire.
TRV