a primitive root; to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate; burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle.
Transliteration:yâtsath
Pronunciation:yaw-tsath'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root יָצַת (yâtsath, `{{H3341}}`) is a primitive verb primarily signifying the act of "to burn" or "to set on fire." Its core meaning encompasses the initiation of combustion, the kindling of a flame, and the active process of causing something to be consumed by fire. Beyond this literal sense, yâtsath extends its semantic range to include the resulting state of "desolation." This figurative usage highlights the destructive outcome of burning, leading to ruin, emptiness, or utter destruction. The various nuances captured by the English glosses—"burn (up)," "be desolate," "set (on) fire (fire)," "kindle"—illustrate its application to both the action of igniting and the subsequent state of being consumed or laid waste. Thus, yâtsath encapsulates both the destructive potential of fire and the subsequent state of ruin it leaves in its wake.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb yâtsath appears approximately 70 times in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in historical narratives and prophetic literature, underscoring its significance in depicting destruction and judgment.
1. **Literal Burning and Destruction:** Most commonly, yâtsath describes the physical act of setting something on fire. This includes the burning of cities, houses, gates, and other structures. For instance, in [[Judges 1:8]], the tribe of Judah **set Jerusalem on fire** after capturing it. Similarly, in the account of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, yâtsath is repeatedly used to describe the **burning** of the Temple, the king's palace, and the houses of the city by Nebuzaradan, Nebuchadnezzar's captain ([[2 Kings 25:9]], [[Jeremiah 32:29]], [[Jeremiah 52:13]]). This usage emphasizes the complete physical destruction wrought by fire as an act of war or conquest. The desolation described in [[Nehemiah 1:3]], where the gates of Jerusalem were **burned with fire**, speaks to the lingering aftermath of such destruction.
2. **Divine Judgment and Wrath:** A significant number of occurrences of yâtsath are found in prophetic contexts, where it serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment. The prophets frequently declare that Yahweh will "send fire" upon nations or cities, implying a destructive judgment that will **burn** their palaces and lay waste their lands. This is particularly prominent in the book of Amos, where the phrase "I will send a fire upon..." is a recurring motif (e.g., [[Amos 1:4]], [[Amos 1:7]], [[Amos 1:10]], [[Amos 1:12]], [[Amos 1:14]]; [[Amos 2:2]], [[Amos 2:5]]). Here, the fire is an agent of divine wrath, consuming the symbols of power and the very fabric of society, leading to desolation as a consequence of sin and rebellion.
3. **Figurative Desolation:** While often linked to literal fire, yâtsath can also imply desolation more broadly, as the destructive outcome of various forms of judgment. The state of being "desolate" or "laid waste" is the direct result of the burning action, whether literal or metaphorical.
### Related Words & Concepts
Yâtsath (`{{H3341}}`) interacts with several other Hebrew terms related to fire and destruction:
* `{{H784}}` ('esh): The most common Hebrew word for "fire," often the medium or instrument through which yâtsath operates.
* `{{H1197}}` (ba'ar): To burn, consume, or kindle. While yâtsath often implies the *initiation* of burning or setting something aflame, ba'ar can describe the general process of burning or being consumed by fire.
* `{{H8313}}` (saraph): To burn completely, consume by fire. This term frequently appears in contexts of sacrifice or utter destruction, often implying a more complete or ritualistic burning than yâtsath.
* `{{H3344}}` (yaqad): To kindle, burn, or be kindled. Similar to yâtsath in meaning "to kindle," but yaqad can also describe a fire that is already burning.
* `{{H2717}}` (ḥarav): To be desolate, laid waste. This verb describes the outcome that yâtsath often produces, highlighting the state of ruin.
Conceptually, yâtsath is closely tied to themes of judgment, wrath, destruction, consumption, ruin, and the consequences of sin. It stands in stark contrast to concepts of rebuilding, restoration, preservation, and divine blessing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of yâtsath is profound, primarily serving as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the consuming nature of God's wrath against sin.
1. **Divine Judgment and Holiness:** The frequent appearance of yâtsath in prophetic declarations of judgment underscores God's active involvement in human history to punish wickedness. The "fire" that God sends is not merely a natural disaster but a deliberate act of divine justice, reflecting His absolute holiness and intolerance for sin. This consuming fire purifies the earth by removing corruption.
2. **Consequences of Disobedience:** Yâtsath vividly illustrates the devastating consequences of rebellion against God's covenant and laws. The burning and desolation of cities, temples, and lands serve as tangible manifestations of the spiritual ruin that results from turning away from the divine will. It is a stark reminder that persistent sin leads to destruction.
3. **Sovereignty of God:** Even when human armies are the instruments of burning and desolation, the biblical narrative often attributes the ultimate agency to God. Prophets declare that God "sends" the fire, demonstrating His supreme sovereignty over nations and historical events, using even the actions of ungodly empires to fulfill His purposes of judgment.
4. **Prophetic Warning:** The repeated use of yâtsath in prophetic oracles functions as a severe warning to both Israel and surrounding nations. It calls for repentance, as the alternative is the terrifying prospect of God's consuming judgment, leading to utter desolation.
5. **Transience of Earthly Kingdoms:** The burning of grand structures, palaces, and even the Temple itself, highlights the impermanence of all human achievements and material possessions in the face of divine power. Only God's word and His eternal kingdom endure.
### Summary
The Hebrew root יָצַת (yâtsath, `{{H3341}}`) fundamentally denotes the act of "setting on fire" or "burning," with a significant semantic extension to the resulting state of "desolation." Its occurrences in the Hebrew Bible vividly depict both the literal destruction wrought by fire, such as the burning of cities and structures, and its profound metaphorical application as an instrument of divine judgment. Prophets frequently employ yâtsath to declare God's consuming wrath against sin, illustrating the inevitable ruin and desolation that follow disobedience. This word, therefore, encapsulates the severe consequences of rebellion against God, underscoring His sovereignty in bringing about judgment and the ultimate impermanence of all that stands in opposition to His righteous will. It serves as a potent reminder of the destructive power inherent in fire and, by extension, in the holy and just anger of the Almighty.
TRV