### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chârar**, represented by `{{H2787}}`, is a primitive root meaning to glow. It is used to describe literal effects like melting, burning, or drying up, as well as figurative ones like showing or inciting passion. This word appears **11 times** in **11 unique verses**, conveying a sense of intense heat or dryness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2787}}` is used to illustrate several conditions. It can describe the literal process of being consumed by fire, as seen when the inhabitants of the earth are **burned** under a curse [[Isaiah 24:6]], or when a worthless vine is cast into the fire and its middle is **burned** ([[Ezekiel 15:4]], [[Ezekiel 15:5]]). The word also expresses intense personal suffering, as when the psalmist’s throat is **dried** from crying out [[Psalms 69:3]] or when Job’s bones are **burned** with heat from his affliction [[Job 30:30]]. Figuratively, it can depict human passion, such as when the children of the bride’s mother **were angry** with her [[Song of Solomon 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of heat, fire, and their effects:
* `{{H1513}}` **gechel** (ember, coal): This word often denotes the source of the heat. It is used in tandem with `{{H2787}}` in the prophetic imagery of a pot being set on the **coals** so that it may burn and be purified [[Ezekiel 24:11]].
* `{{H2721}}` **chôreb** (drought, heat): This term describes the condition of intense heat or dryness. It is directly linked with `{{H2787}}` in Job's lament, where his bones are burned with **heat** [[Job 30:30]].
* `{{H1814}}` **dâlaq** (to flame, kindle): This root verb relates to the act of setting something on fire. It can be used figuratively for inflaming passions with wine [[Isaiah 5:11]] or literally to **kindle** a fire [[Obadiah 1:18]].
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire): This is the general term for fire. It is often the agent that causes something to be **burned** `{{H2787}}`, as when a vine is cast into the **fire** for fuel [[Ezekiel 15:4]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H2787}}` is significant, often associated with judgment, suffering, and conflict.
* **Divine Judgment and Purification:** The word is used to portray the purifying and destructive power of God's judgment. In Ezekiel's prophecy, an empty pot is heated so it may **burn**, melting its filthiness and consuming its scum [[Ezekiel 24:11]]. Similarly, the inhabitants of the earth are **burned** as a consequence of a curse [[Isaiah 24:6]].
* **Intense Personal Suffering:** `{{H2787}}` vividly captures the physical and emotional toll of deep distress. The psalmist’s bones are **burned** as if in a hearth [[Psalms 102:3]], and his throat is **dried** from exhaustive prayer [[Psalms 69:3]].
* **The Kindling of Strife:** The word's figurative use extends to human conflict. A contentious person is compared to coals and wood, serving to **kindle** strife just as fuel kindles a fire [[Proverbs 26:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2787}}` provides a powerful and versatile depiction of intense heat. It moves beyond a simple definition of burning to encompass the physical anguish of a body afflicted by sickness [[Job 30:30]], the emotional heat of anger [[Song of Solomon 1:6]], and the destructive fire of divine judgment [[Isaiah 24:6]]. Its usage illustrates how a single concept can be applied to literal fire, the effects of human passion, and the actions of God.
TRV