### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dalleqeth**, represented by `{{H1816}}`, means **inflammation** or a **burning fever**. It is a very rare term in the Bible, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its origin is from the word דָּלַק (dalaq), which relates to burning, underscoring its connection to intense, feverish heat as a form of affliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H1816}}` is found in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]], where it is listed among the curses that will befall the Israelites for disobedience. The verse states that the LORD will "smite thee" with a series of severe judgments, including "a consumption, and with a fever, and with an **inflammation**." This context firmly establishes the word as a descriptor for a painful, God-sent malady intended as punishment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H1816}}`, helping to define a specific category of fever-like judgments:
* `{{H7829}}` **shachepheth** (consumption): This term for a wasting disease is listed with **inflammation** in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]] and also appears as a curse in [[Leviticus 26:16]].
* `{{H6920}}` **qaddachath** (fever): Defined as a febrile disease or **burning ague**, this word is found directly beside **inflammation** in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]]. It is also mentioned in [[Leviticus 26:16]] as an affliction that will "consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart."
* `{{H2746}}` **charchur** (extreme burning): This word appears immediately after **inflammation** in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]], intensifying the theme of severe, heat-related sickness as a form of divine wrath.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1816}}` is directly tied to its role as a covenant curse.
* **Divine Judgment:** Its sole appearance in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]] frames **inflammation** not as a random illness, but as a specific instrument of God's judgment against covenant-breaking.
* **Physical Consequence:** The word illustrates how spiritual disobedience is connected to tangible, physical suffering. It is part of a list of diseases that serve as a direct consequence of turning away from God.
* **Comprehensive Curses:** The placement of **inflammation** among other afflictions like consumption `{{H7829}}`, fever `{{H6920}}`, military defeat ("sword"), and agricultural ruin ("mildew") highlights the all-encompassing nature of the curses, which would pursue the disobedient until they perish.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1816}}` **dalleqeth** is a narrowly defined term for **inflammation** used exclusively to describe a form of divine punishment. Its single biblical reference in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]], alongside other words for fever and disease, powerfully depicts a specific physical consequence of breaking the covenant with God. The term serves as a stark reminder of the severity of the curses detailed in the Law.
TRV