(Aramaic) corresponding to יָקַד; {to burn}; burning.
Transliteration:yᵉqad
Pronunciation:yek-ad'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma יְקַד (yᵉqad, `{{H3345}}`) carries the core meaning of "to burn" or "burning." As indicated in its definition, it corresponds directly to the Hebrew root יָקַד (yaqad, `{{H3344}}`), which similarly denotes the action of kindling or being aflame. This semantic connection highlights a consistent understanding of fire as an agent of consumption, heat, and often destruction within the biblical worldview. The Aramaic form is primarily confined to the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel, reflecting the linguistic context of that portion of scripture. Its semantic range is quite focused, almost exclusively pertaining to literal combustion, particularly in the context of a furnace or a fiery judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of יְקַד (yᵉqad, `{{H3345}}`) are exclusively found in the Book of Daniel, specifically within chapter 3. Here, the term is repeatedly used to describe the "burning fiery furnace" (Aramaic: אַתּוּן נוּרָא יָקִדְתָּא) into which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were cast for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image.
* [[Daniel 3:6]]: "whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace." Here, יְקַד functions adjectivally, describing the nature of the furnace as "burning."
* [[Daniel 3:17]]: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace..."
* [[Daniel 3:20]]: "And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace."
* [[Daniel 3:23]]: "And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace."
* [[Daniel 3:26]]: "Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, 'Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!'"
In each instance, יְקַד emphasizes the intense heat and destructive potential of the furnace, which served as a tool of royal decree and execution. The miraculous preservation of the three faithful men within this "burning" environment serves to underscore the profound power of God, transcending both human authority and the natural laws of combustion. The repeated use of the term reinforces the severity of the threat and the magnitude of the divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **יָקַד (yaqad, `{{H3344}}`):** As the Hebrew counterpart, יָקַד shares the identical meaning of "to burn" or "to be kindled." Its usage in Hebrew scripture often pertains to sacrificial fire ([[Leviticus 6:9]]), the burning of cities ([[Jeremiah 17:27]]), or the consuming fire of God's presence. This strong linguistic and semantic link demonstrates a consistent biblical understanding of fire's properties.
* **אֵשׁ (esh, `{{H784}}`):** This is the general Hebrew noun for "fire." While אֵשׁ refers to the element itself, יְקַד describes the active state or process of burning. Together, they form a comprehensive vocabulary for fire and its effects.
* **Divine Judgment and Purification:** The concept of fire in the Bible is often associated with divine judgment ([[Genesis 19:24]], [[Malachi 4:1]]) and, paradoxically, with purification or refining ([[Proverbs 17:3]], [[Zechariah 13:9]]). The "burning fiery furnace" in Daniel embodies both aspects: it is a tool of human judgment that God transforms into a crucible for testing and revealing faith, ultimately purifying the resolve of His servants rather than consuming them.
* **Trial and Persecution:** The "burning" furnace serves as a vivid metaphor for intense trials and persecutions faced by those who remain faithful to God. The narrative highlights the extreme nature of such suffering and the divine promise of presence and deliverance within it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of יְקַד (yᵉqad, `{{H3345}}`) is profoundly demonstrated through the narrative of Daniel 3.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Creation:** The most striking theological implication is the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation, including the most destructive elements like fire. The "burning" furnace, designed to consume, is rendered powerless by God's will, showcasing that no natural force or human decree can prevail against His divine purpose.
* **Faithfulness Under Duress:** The willingness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to face the "burning" furnace rather than violate their conscience and God's law provides a powerful testament to unwavering faith. Their steadfastness serves as an enduring paradigm for believers enduring persecution, illustrating that true devotion prioritizes obedience to God above all else, even life itself.
* **God's Presence in Suffering:** The miraculous appearance of a "fourth figure, like a son of the gods" ([[Daniel 3:25]]) in the midst of the "burning" furnace is a deeply comforting theological truth. It signifies God's intimate and active presence with His people *within* their trials, not merely delivering them *from* them. This assures believers that they are never alone in their suffering.
* **Vindication of God's Servants and Humbling of Pride:** The inability of the "burning" fire to harm the faithful, coupled with its power to consume the king's executioners, underscores divine justice. The episode ultimately leads to Nebuchadnezzar's humbling and his acknowledgment of the Most High God, demonstrating the ultimate futility of human pride and idolatry when confronted by divine power.
### Summary
The Aramaic word יְקַד (yᵉqad, `{{H3345}}`) signifies "to burn" or "burning," serving as the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew יָקַד (yaqad, `{{H3344}}`). Its primary biblical occurrences are in Daniel 3, where it consistently describes the "burning fiery furnace." This repeated emphasis on the furnace's intensity highlights the extreme threat faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego due to their faithfulness. Theologically, יְקַד in this context underscores God's absolute sovereignty over natural forces, His intimate presence with His people in the midst of suffering, and the ultimate vindication of those who remain steadfast in their faith. The narrative surrounding this "burning" furnace provides a profound illustration of divine power overriding human tyranny and the transformative power of unwavering devotion.
TRV