### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼûwr**, represented by `{{H217}}`, denotes **fire** or **light**. Its base definition describes it as a flame. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses. While it can refer to a literal fire, it is often used in prophetic contexts to symbolize divine power, judgment, or the light of human origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{H217}}` illustrate a duality between comfort and judgment. In [[Isaiah 44:16]], it is the satisfying **fire** a person warms himself by, saying, "I have seen the **fire**". Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 5:2]], it is a destructive **fire** for burning a third part of the city in a sign of judgment. The LORD's own presence is described as a **fire** `{{H217}}` in Zion and a furnace in Jerusalem, signifying his power [[Isaiah 31:9]]. In another instance of judgment, Babylon will be destroyed so completely that there will not be a **fire** `{{H217}}` to sit before [[Isaiah 47:14]]. The term can also refer to the "fires" where people are called to glorify the LORD [[Isaiah 24:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for heat and flame:
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): A primitive word for **fire** used literally or figuratively. It appears alongside `{{H217}}` in contexts of both judgment and human activity [[Isaiah 50:11]].
* `{{H3852}}` **lehâbâh** (flame): This word for **flame** is used to describe the intensity of a destructive fire from which there is no escape [[Isaiah 47:14]].
* `{{H8574}}` **tannûwr** (furnace): This term is paired directly with the LORD's **fire** `{{H217}}` to describe his presence in Jerusalem, linking divine power to an intense source of heat [[Isaiah 31:9]].
* `{{H2552}}` **châmam** (to be hot): This root word for being warm is used in the context of warming oneself by a fire, but its absence is noted in a scene of judgment where no **coal** will be left to **warm** at [[Isaiah 47:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H217}}` is significant, particularly in the writings of Isaiah.
* **Symbol of Divine Presence:** The LORD's presence in Zion is explicitly identified as a **fire** `{{H217}}`, indicating His powerful and potentially dangerous immanence among His people [[Isaiah 31:9]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The word is used in prophetic acts to represent God's judgment. Ezekiel is commanded to burn a third of the hair representing Jerusalem with **fire** `{{H217}}` [[Ezekiel 5:2]]. Similarly, the complete destruction of Babylon is shown by the lack of even a comforting **fire** `{{H217}}` [[Isaiah 47:14]].
* **Misguided Human Effort:** [[Isaiah 50:11]] uses the **light** `{{H217}}` of a man-made fire as a metaphor for self-reliance. To walk in this light is to "lie down in sorrow," illustrating the futility of human schemes apart from God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H217}}` provides a specific nuance for **fire** and **light** in the Old Testament. While appearing only a few times, it effectively conveys a range of meanings, from the simple comfort of a warming fire [[Isaiah 44:16]] to the awesome power of God's presence and judgment [[Isaiah 31:9]]. It is particularly potent as a symbol distinguishing between the insufficient light of human origin and the authoritative, all-consuming fire of the LORD.
TRV