### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâtsath**, represented by `{{H3341}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to burn or set on fire**. It appears 29 times across 28 unique verses in the Bible, most often describing acts of destruction and judgment. Beyond its literal meaning of kindling a flame, it is used figuratively **to desolate** a people or land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3341}}` is used in several key contexts. It frequently describes God's judgment enacted through destructive fire, such as the warning that the Lord will **kindle** a fire in Jerusalem's gates if the Sabbath is profaned [[Jeremiah 17:27]]. The term also depicts the physical destruction of cities during warfare, as when the Israelites were commanded to **set** the city of Ai on **fire** [[Joshua 8:8]]. Figuratively, `{{H3341}}` can refer to the ignition of divine anger, as when the wrath of the LORD is **kindled** against the people of Judah for their disobedience [[2 Kings 22:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of burning and judgment:
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating)): This word is often used to describe how wickedness itself **burneth** like a fire that spreads and **shall kindle** more destruction [[Isaiah 9:18]].
* `{{H8313}}` **sâraph** (to be (causatively, set) on fire): This term frequently appears in parallel with `yâtsath` to emphasize the totality of an act of destruction, such as when the Chaldeans would **set** a city on fire and **burn** it completely [[Jeremiah 32:29]].
* `{{H3518}}` **kâbâh** (to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)): This word is often used to describe the inextinguishable nature of the fire kindled by God, as in a judgment where the resulting fire "shall not be **quenched**" [[2 Kings 22:17]].
* `{{H3707}}` **kaʻaç** (to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant): This word often supplies the reason for divine judgment. God’s wrath is **kindled** because the people **provoke** him **to anger** with their idolatry [[2 Kings 22:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3341}}` is significant, primarily illustrating the consequences of sin.
* **Divine Wrath Against Sin:** `yâtsath` is a primary vehicle for showing God's active judgment against disobedience. The act of kindling a fire represents a direct and consuming response to sin, as seen in the Lord's promise to **kindle** a fire to devour Jerusalem's palaces [[Jeremiah 17:27]].
* **Covenantal Curses:** The word is frequently used within the context of covenant curses. When Israel breaks its covenant, the land and its people are subject to being **burned up** and made desolate [[Jeremiah 9:12]], fulfilling the consequences of forsaking God [[2 Kings 22:17]].
* **Figurative Desolation:** The use of `{{H3341}}` to mean **desolate** [[Jeremiah 46:19]] shows that the outcome of God's fiery judgment is complete ruin and abandonment. The fire does not just damage; it leaves the land waste as a visible sign of punishment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3341}}` is far more than a simple term for setting something on fire. It is a potent word in scripture, capturing the intensity of both human-initiated destruction [[2 Samuel 14:30]] and divine, judicial punishment [[Lamentations 4:11]]. It illustrates a critical theological concept: sin ignites the fire of God's wrath, leading to judgment and desolation that cannot be easily reversed or **quenched** [[Ezekiel 20:47]]. From a literal act of arson to the figurative expression of divine anger, **yâtsath** demonstrates the profound consequences of straying from God's commands.
TRV