The Hebrew word yᵉqôwd, represented by H3350, means a burning. Derived from the root word for "to burn," its sole appearance in scripture pinpoints its meaning to a specific act of fiery destruction. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible.
The single use of H3350 is found in a prophecy of judgment in Isaiah 10:16. Here, the Lord of hosts is promising to punish the arrogant Assyrian army, described as "his fat ones." The text states that "under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire." In this context, the word signifies a divine, consuming judgment that will destroy the enemy's strength and splendor from within.
Several related words in the passage illuminate the meaning of H3350:
- H3344 yâqad (a primitive root; to burn; (be) burn(-ing), [idiom] from the hearth, kindle.): As the root verb for H3350, it is used directly in Isaiah 10:16 to describe the action God will take: "he shall kindle a burning." This verb is also used for the perpetual fire on the altar Leviticus 6:12 and God's anger that burns Jeremiah 17:4.
- H7332 râzôwn (from רָזָה; thinness; leanness, [idiom] scant.): This word appears in parallel with H3350 in the same verse, where God sends "leanness" among the "fat ones." This emphasizes that the judgment is a wasting, consuming force that reverses prosperity Isaiah 10:16.
- H784 ʼêsh (a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively); burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.): This general word for fire is used to describe the nature of the burning in Isaiah 10:16, "a burning like the burning of a fire." It reinforces the intensity of the divine judgment, connecting it to the common biblical symbol of God's consuming power Deuteronomy 9:3.
The theological weight of H3350 is concentrated in its singular, powerful appearance.
- Divine Retribution: The "burning" is not a natural event but a targeted act of judgment sent directly by "the Lord, the Lord of hosts" against pride and arrogance Isaiah 10:16.
- Internal Consumption: The judgment is described as taking place "under his glory," suggesting a collapse from within. The "burning" acts to consume the very foundation of the enemy's power and magnificence.
- Metaphor of Judgment: Paired with "leanness" H7332, the "burning" of H3350 serves as a potent metaphor for a thorough and devastating reversal of fortune at the hand of God.
In summary, H3350 yᵉqôwd is a highly specific term for a "burning" that functions as an instrument of divine judgment. Its lone occurrence in Isaiah 10:16, buttressed by related terms for kindling, leanness, and fire, creates a vivid image of God's power to consume the glory of the proud. Though rare, the word carries significant theological weight, illustrating a key aspect of God's response to human arrogance.
TRV