### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâcham**, represented by `{{H3179}}`, is a primitive root primarily meaning **to be hot**. Figuratively, it extends to the concept of conception. Appearing 10 times in 9 unique verses, its definition includes "get heat, be hot, conceive, be warm."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3179}}` is used in two distinct yet related ways. The first is in the context of procreation or conception. This is seen repeatedly in the narrative of Jacob's flocks, where he uses pilled rods to influence the animals so they would **conceive** ([[Genesis 30:38]], [[Genesis 30:41]]). The term is also used for human conception in a deeply personal reflection, where the psalmist states, "in sin did my mother **conceive** me" [[Psalms 51:5]]. The second usage relates to literal or figurative heat. An elderly King David "gat no **heat**" even when covered with clothes [[1 Kings 1:1]], and a person's heart can be **hot** with avenging anger [[Deuteronomy 19:6]]. It is also used to describe a pot on coals that must **be hot** for purification [[Ezekiel 24:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H3179}}`:
* `{{H2552}}` **châmam** (to be hot): This word is a direct synonym for the thermal sense of `{{H3179}}`. In [[Ecclesiastes 4:11]], the two are used in parallel: "if two lie together, then they have heat `{{H2552}}`: but how can one be warm `{{H3179}}` alone?"
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young): This word often follows the action of `{{H3179}}` in the context of procreation. For example, the flocks first **conceived** `{{H3179}}` and then **brought forth** `{{H3205}}` young [[Genesis 30:39]], showing a direct causal link.
* `{{H2787}}` **chârar** (to burn, kindle): This term expands on the idea of intense heat. It is used alongside `{{H3179}}` in Ezekiel's vision of judgment, where a pot is set on coals so it may **be hot** `{{H3179}}` and **burn** `{{H2787}}` to be purified [[Ezekiel 24:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological applications of `{{H3179}}` carry significant weight.
* **The Nature of Sin:** The word is famously used in [[Psalms 51:5]] to describe the moment of conception. By stating he was conceived `{{H3179}}` in sin `{{H2399}}`, David makes a profound statement about the inherent presence of iniquity `{{H5771}}` from the very beginning of human life.
* **Divine Judgment and Purification:** In [[Ezekiel 24:11]], an empty pot is made **hot** `{{H3179}}` to melt and consume its filthiness `{{H2932}}`. This serves as a powerful metaphor for God's purifying judgment, where heat is the instrument used to burn away impurity.
* **Impassioned Justice:** The concept of a "hot" heart is applied to the avenger `{{H1350}}` of blood `{{H1818}}` in [[Deuteronomy 19:6]]. This use of `{{H3179}}` illustrates how human passion, when hot, can drive a person to pursue what they perceive as justice, even if it risks overtaking and slaying someone not worthy of death.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3179}}` encompasses a range of meanings centered on heat. It moves from the literal warmth needed by an aging king to the biological heat of procreation in both animals and humans. Theologically, it is used to frame foundational concepts such as the origins of sinfulness, the intensity of divine judgment, and the heat of human emotion in the pursuit of justice.
TRV