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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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