a primitive root; to burn; (be) burn(-ing), [idiom] from the hearth, kindle.
Transliteration:yâqad
Pronunciation:yaw-kad'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3344 (yâqad) is a primitive verb signifying the act of "burning" or "being kindled." Its core meaning encompasses the process of combustion, implying both the initiation of fire (to kindle) and the sustained state of being aflame. Unlike some other Hebrew terms for burning that might emphasize destruction or consumption, yâqad often carries a nuance of continuous or persistent burning. The base definition's inclusion of "[idiom] from the hearth" suggests a fire that is maintained, perhaps for a specific purpose, such as warmth, cooking, or, significantly in a biblical context, sacrificial offerings. It can describe both a controlled, purposeful fire and a destructive, consuming blaze, depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of H3344 (yâqad) reveal its application in diverse contexts, primarily related to physical fire and metaphorical expressions of divine wrath:
* **Sacrificial Context:** A pivotal use is found in [[Leviticus 6:12]] (6:5 in Hebrew Bibles), where it describes the perpetual fire on the altar: "The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out." Here, yâqad emphasizes the continuous, unceasing nature of the sacred flame, vital for the daily burnt offerings. This highlights the enduring presence of God and the constant need for atonement and worship. The command for the fire "not to go out" underscores its ritualistic and symbolic importance.
* **Divine Wrath and Judgment:** yâqad frequently depicts the consuming fire of God's anger and judgment. In [[Deuteronomy 32:22]], Moses declares, "For a fire is kindled in my anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell." Similarly, [[Jeremiah 17:4]] warns, "For you have kindled a fire in my anger that will burn forever." These passages use yâqad to convey the intensity and enduring nature of divine retribution against sin and disobedience. The fire is not merely momentary but a persistent force of consequence.
* **Figurative Language:** The root also appears in more figurative expressions. [[Isaiah 30:27]] describes the "Name of the LORD" coming "from afar, burning with his anger." Here, yâqad vividly portrays the visible and impactful manifestation of divine wrath. While less common for human emotions, the concept of a "burning" sensation can be implied in contexts of distress or intense experience, such as [[Lamentations 1:13]], where God "sent fire into my bones; it consumed them," depicting profound suffering.
Across these contexts, yâqad consistently points to a fire that is active, often persistent, and carries significant implications whether in ritual, judgment, or metaphor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "burning" in Hebrew is rich, and H3344 (yâqad) interacts with several other terms:
* **`{{H784}}` (ʾēš):** The most common noun for "fire," often the subject or object of yâqad.
* **`{{H1197}}` (bāʿar):** A very common verb meaning "to burn, consume, kindle." While bāʿar can also denote continuous burning, it often emphasizes the destructive or consuming aspect more broadly. yâqad might carry a stronger nuance of the *state* of being aflame, especially in the Levitical context of the altar fire.
* **`{{H8313}}` (śāraph):** "To burn, consume, destroy by fire." This verb frequently appears in the context of burning sacrifices completely or destroying cities and objects, emphasizing the outcome of consumption.
* **`{{H6973}}` (qādaḥ):** "To kindle, ignite." This verb focuses more on the *initiation* of the fire, whereas yâqad can describe both the kindling and the sustained burning.
Conceptually, yâqad is intrinsically linked to:
* **Sacrifice:** The offering consumed by fire.
* **Divine Presence:** The pillar of fire, the burning bush, and the altar fire all signify God's immanence and holiness.
* **Divine Judgment:** Fire as an instrument of purification, destruction, and wrath.
* **Holiness and Purity:** Fire's ability to refine and consume impurities.
### Theological Significance
The verb H3344 (yâqad) carries profound theological weight, particularly in its depiction of fire:
* **The Perpetuity of Covenant and Worship:** The command for the altar fire to be kept yâqad ([[Leviticus 6:12]]) underscores the continuous nature of God's covenant with Israel and the perpetual requirement for worship, atonement, and fellowship. This unceasing flame symbolizes God's constant presence among His people and the enduring efficacy of the sacrificial system. It speaks to the faithfulness of God and the ongoing responsibility of humanity in worship.
* **The Holiness and Purity of God:** Fire in the biblical narrative often represents God's unapproachable holiness and purity. That which is unholy cannot stand before it. The sustained burning of the altar fire signifies a holy space where God's presence dwells, demanding reverence and adherence to His commands.
* **Divine Justice and Wrath:** yâqad powerfully conveys the righteous anger and justice of God. When God's wrath is described as "burning," it is not a fleeting emotion but a consuming, active force that brings about judgment and consequence for sin. This fire purifies the earth by consuming wickedness, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. It serves as a stark warning and a call to repentance.
* **Transformation and Consumption:** Fire, by its nature, transforms what it consumes. In both sacrificial and judgmental contexts, yâqad implies a process of change—from living offering to smoke ascending to God, or from wicked entity to ash. This transformative power of fire points to God's ability to bring about both spiritual purification and ultimate destruction of evil.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H3344 (yâqad) fundamentally means "to burn" or "to be kindled," emphasizing a continuous or sustained state of combustion. Its usage in the Hebrew Bible highlights three primary domains: the perpetual burning of the altar fire in the sacrificial system, symbolizing God's enduring presence and the ongoing nature of worship ([[Leviticus 6:12]]); the consuming fire of divine wrath and judgment against sin, signifying God's justice and the inevitable consequences of disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 32:22]], [[Jeremiah 17:4]]); and, less frequently, figurative expressions of intense experience or divine manifestation. Distinct from other verbs for burning like `{{H1197}}` (bāʿar) or `{{H8313}}` (śāraph), yâqad often carries the nuance of a maintained or persistent flame, whether for sacred ritual or as a persistent force of divine retribution. Theologically, yâqad underscores the perpetuity of God's covenant, His consuming holiness, and the unwavering nature of His righteous judgment.
TRV