### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ), Strong's `{{H3346}}`, denotes a "conflagration" or "burning." It is derived from the verbal root יְקַד (yᵉqad), `{{H3345}}`, meaning "to burn" or "to be kindled." While the root emphasizes the *action* of burning, יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ) refers to the *state* or *result* of an intense and often destructive fire. It conveys the idea of a raging, consuming blaze, highlighting the severity and destructive potential of the heat and flames. The term implies not merely a small fire, but a significant, widespread, and powerful burning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 3. It is found in the phrase "furnace of burning fire" or "burning fiery furnace" in [[Daniel 3:6]] and [[Daniel 3:11]]. In this context, the term describes the extreme heat and destructive nature of the furnace into which King Nebuchadnezzar commanded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be cast for refusing to worship his golden image. The repeated emphasis on the "burning" (יְקֵדָא) of the furnace underscores the mortal danger faced by the three faithful men. The narrative highlights that this was no ordinary fire, but one intensely heated, so much so that it killed the mighty men who threw them in ([[Daniel 3:22]]). The use of יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ) amplifies the miraculous nature of their preservation, as they emerged from such a conflagration unharmed, without even the smell of fire on them ([[Daniel 3:27]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Aramaic verbal root יְקַד (yᵉqad), `{{H3345}}`, from which יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ) is derived. This root also appears in Daniel, such as in [[Daniel 7:9]] describing God's throne as having "flaming fire" (כֻּרְסְיֵהּ שְׁבִיבִין דִּי נוּר יְקֵדָה). In Hebrew, common words for fire include אֵשׁ (esh), `{{H784}}`, a general term for fire, and לֶהָבָה (lehavah), `{{H3852}}`, meaning "flame." The verb בָּעַר (ba'ar), `{{H1197}}`, is often used for "to burn" or "to consume by fire."
Conceptually, יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ) is linked to themes of divine judgment, purification, testing of faith, and miraculous preservation. The "burning" furnace serves as a crucible, a severe test of allegiance, but ultimately becomes a stage for the manifestation of God's delivering power.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet powerful use of יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ) in Daniel 3 carries profound theological weight. The "burning fiery furnace" represents the ultimate human threat and persecution against those who remain steadfast in their faith in God. The intensity conveyed by "conflagration" (`{{H3346}}`) elevates the stakes, making the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego a clear demonstration of divine intervention and sovereignty over even the most destructive natural forces.
Theologically, the narrative underscores that God is able to preserve His faithful servants *through* the fire, not just *from* it. The fire, intended as an instrument of death and conformity, becomes an arena for God's glory to be revealed, transforming a place of execution into a place of divine encounter ([[Daniel 3:25]]). This serves as an enduring testament to God's faithfulness to those who honor Him above all earthly powers and idols. It prefigures the trials faced by believers throughout history and assures them of God's presence and protection in the midst of severe adversity.
### Summary
יְקֵדָא (yᵉqêdâʼ), an Aramaic term meaning "conflagration" or "burning," is derived from the root `{{H3345}}` meaning "to burn." Its sole biblical occurrences are in [[Daniel 3:6]] and [[Daniel 3:11]], where it describes the intense "burning" of the fiery furnace. This word powerfully emphasizes the severity of the trial faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Theologically, it highlights God's sovereign power to preserve His faithful through extreme persecution, transforming a symbol of destruction into a testament of divine presence and miraculous deliverance.
TRV