(Aramaic) corresponding to דָּלַק; {to flame (literally or figuratively)}; burn.
Transliteration:dᵉlaq
Pronunciation:del-ak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb דְּלַק (dᵉlaq, `{{H1815}}`) carries the primary meaning of "to flame" or "to burn." Its base definition explicitly states its correspondence to the Hebrew דָּלַק (dālaq, `{{H1814}}`), which also denotes "to burn," "to be hot," and by extension, "to pursue hotly" or "to chase." While the Aramaic form's usage is limited in the biblical text, its core semantic range centers on the intense emission of heat and light characteristic of fire. The definition further specifies that this burning can be understood both literally and figuratively, though its sole biblical occurrence leans towards a literal description within a highly symbolic context. The underlying concept is one of intensity, whether of heat, light, or rapid movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic דְּלַק (dᵉlaq, `{{H1815}}`) appears only once in the biblical corpus, found in the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 7:9]]**: "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was fiery flames, its wheels a burning fire."
In this apocalyptic vision of Daniel, the word is used as a participle, modifying "fire" (אֶשָּׁא, `{{H785}}`), describing the intense nature of the flames emanating from the divine throne. The phrase "its wheels a burning fire" (גלגליה נור דלק, *galgaloha nur delaqa*) employs דְּלַק (dᵉlaq) to emphasize the active, consuming, and vibrant quality of the fire. This is a literal description of fire, yet within the context of a divine vision, it carries profound symbolic weight, depicting the awe-inspiring presence and power of God. The intensity of the "burning fire" underscores the majesty and unapproachable holiness of the Ancient of Days.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, דָּלַק (dālaq, `{{H1814}}`). This Hebrew root, like its Aramaic cognate, means "to burn" or "to be hot," but also extends to "to pursue hotly" or "to chase." This broader semantic range in Hebrew suggests an underlying concept of intense, swift, and often destructive action. While דְּלַק (dᵉlaq) in [[Daniel 7:9]] focuses on the burning aspect, the connection to `{{H1814}}` enriches our understanding of the intensity implied.
Other related concepts include:
* **Fire (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`/אֶשָּׁא, `{{H785}}`):** A fundamental biblical motif representing God's presence, holiness, judgment, and purification.
* **Glory (כָּבוֹד, `{{H3519}}`):** Fire is frequently a manifestation of God's radiant glory and majesty.
* **Judgment:** Fire is a pervasive metaphor for divine judgment and the consuming nature of God's righteousness.
* **Purity/Holiness:** Fire's ability to purify and consume impurities links it to God's absolute holiness.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of דְּלַק (dᵉlaq, `{{H1815}}`) in [[Daniel 7:9]] is exceptionally significant due to its context: the description of the throne of the Ancient of Days. This passage is a pivotal moment in Daniel's vision, revealing the supreme authority and character of God.
1. **Divine Purity and Holiness:** The "fiery flames" and "burning fire" associated with God's throne underscore His absolute purity and holiness. This imagery suggests that nothing impure can stand in His presence; He is a "consuming fire" ([[Deuteronomy 4:24]], [[Hebrews 12:29]]). The intensity of the burning fire conveys an unapproachable and utterly pure essence.
2. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** The Ancient of Days is depicted as the supreme Judge, and the fiery nature of His throne speaks to the certainty and power of His judgment. The "burning fire" symbolizes the decisive and irresistible nature of divine justice that will consume all evil and opposition. It signifies His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and history.
3. **Divine Power and Majesty:** The vivid imagery of the flaming throne conveys overwhelming power and majesty. It is a visual representation of God's awe-inspiring presence, before whom all creation bows. The intensity of the fire reflects the boundless energy and might of the Almighty.
4. **Apocalyptic Symbolism:** In an apocalyptic vision like Daniel's, the imagery is not merely literal description but profound symbolism. The "burning fire" of the throne is a powerful symbol of God's eternal, unchangeable, and active nature as the righteous ruler and judge of the universe.
### Summary
The Aramaic word דְּלַק (dᵉlaq, `{{H1815}}`) fundamentally means "to flame" or "to burn," corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H1814}}`. Despite its single occurrence in the biblical text, its placement in [[Daniel 7:9]] is profoundly significant. There, it describes the "burning fire" of the wheels of the Ancient of Days' throne, vividly portraying the intensity and consuming nature of divine fire. This imagery powerfully conveys God's absolute purity, unapproachable holiness, supreme judicial authority, and overwhelming power and majesty. In its solitary use, דְּלַק (dᵉlaq) contributes to the awe-inspiring and reverent depiction of the sovereign Lord in apocalyptic vision.
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